Letters to the Editor: Angela Lansbury, the actress you really wanted to work with
Angela Lansbury as the mother in “Grease.”
Sally Jenkins
When I saw “Grease” at Broadway’s Shubert Theater in 1983, it was probably the most memorable musical I had ever seen. I’ll never forget that gorgeous score, or the story by Jerry Herman and Ronny Graham, or that of the beloved butler, Fred Astaire.
I am not sure which of my favorite films of all time is my favorite from that decade (there were dozens), but one that had both classic “star” appeal and a well-trod story to tell, was “The Pajama Game.”
And of course, no one can forget the great Bob Hope.
I thought it would be a good day to pay tribute to one of the most beautiful people on the planet.
I was saddened when I learned that Angela Lansbury had recently passed away, after not getting in to the “Grease” movie. If you’ve seen it or seen it recently, you know that she took the role that she really wanted to work with, the mother.
“Grease” was on Broadway when I saw it last (July, 2014) and it was a truly magnificent production. And I am sure it has been mentioned that “Tootsie” is just one of her great musicals. She sang one of her numbers, “If I Could” in the film, but you don’t miss a great show like that when it comes to your mind.
Lansbury was a true lady in song and movement — her song “Love Me Tender” from “Les Girls” was a huge break from her career — and she was a great actress and a superb comedienne. She died a few years ago at age 71, a most loving and devoted woman.
I can’t help but think that the show, and Angela herself, would have given us something unique — a mother/daughter story that would have really resonated with women everywhere.
I am sure the script was wonderful