Tale as Old as Time

Somehow, this news hasn't made it into Variety, but I wanted to be sure you knew:

My beloved child is going to play
Mrs. Potts
in Beauty and the Beast!

Yes, Daring Daughter will be singing at the local community center's mini-production of the marvelous Menken musical. She specifically requested the role made famous by the incredible Angela Lansbury. Sure, she's a "most peculiar mad'moiselle" "with a dreamy far-off look and her nose stuck in a book," as Menken's lyrics describe Belle, but my girl recognizes a juicy role when she sees one. Lansbury's singing performance is delightful, and weak pun alert! she infuses the character with a rich flavour.

We saw Angela Lansbury this summer on Broadway in Blithe Spirit. We were squished in the back row of the balcony, but it was actually a great view of the stage. We just had to leave our legs in the lobby to fit into our seats.


The kids loved the play and Professor X and I marveled at how energetic her performance was. After it was over, we joined a crowd outside the stage door. You can imagine the thrill we felt when she came out and signed our program. We were this close:

I know my little girl and my tall son both have dreams that some day they'll be the ones holding the pen, graciously talking to fans. Whether they make it to Broadway or just the local school and community center productions, it's a wonderful dream.

Daring Daughter is practicing her choreography and songs constantly. My teapot girl is bubbling with excitement. And so am I.