Sunday, November 05, 2006

Angela's Back on Broadway


Angela Lansbury made her return to the Broadway stage tonight in a one-night-only special event benefitting the Acting Company. Angie, along with Harriet Harris, Boyd Ganes, Lisa Banes and Lynn Collins read the quips and stories of Dorothy Parker in the benefit This is on Me: An Evening of Dorothy Parker. Recently Angie quipped, "I’ve been Mame Dennis, Mama Rose and Mrs. Lovett, why not Dorothy Parker?" Indeed. It was a completely delightful evening. It's hard not to enjoy Dorothy's quips, such as "You can lead a horticulture to culture but you can't make her think" or "One more drink and I'll be under the host". Dorothy was an Oscar-nominated screen writer and wrote poems, short stories and reviews for magazines. Angela said that she met her when she was only 17 or 18 at a Hollywood party but was too afraid of her to talk to her (I can relate). I've been a fan of Dorothy's (do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of The Portable Dorothy Parker) for a while so I was thrilled that my favorite Broadway diva would take on Dorothy. Now, the delivery of all the actors was superb - Harriet Harris is known for her wonderfully acerbic delivery - but it was Angela's expressions that stole the show. She was in her element as the reigning sovereign of Broadway...she looked regal in diamonds, pearls and a one piece black pantsuit. Her hair is newly cut into the Mame-style again. She is more than ready to hit the boards in April in Deuce and of course, it will not be soon enough.

Sightings in the audience: Celeste Holm, Barbara Walters, Tom Brokaw, Bob Martin (the man in the chair), producer Marty Bell, the guy who was "a bit of a high talker" on Seinfeld, Edgar Lansbury and best of all my friend Michael Stinchcomb(who I met because of Renee Fleming).

6 comments:

HughE Dillon said...

I waited outside for 30 minutes for a shot of Angela and she went out the back door. Now I am going to have to chase her down at TOG tonight for the Julie Harris Tribute or wait until Spring and see her on the Boards. I did see Marian Seldes hmm is that how you spell it, outside and told her I look forward to the play she is doing with Angela in the Spring. Also spotted Domminck Dunne.

Sarah B. Roberts said...

I bet we were standing right next to each other!

of the kosmos said...

What, no stage door? Sarah, I'm disappointed. ;)

So glad you enjoyed the show!

Sarah B. Roberts said...

Tell me about it.

HughE Dillon said...

OK I got her tonight at Tavern on the Green. I will post it sometime this week. She was wonderful, does well with small groups. Were you with two guys?

moviemerlin said...

I have found your site through our friend Hughe2030's blog. I like the video of Angela. Your blog is good for a read (which I guess is what blogs are there for).