The show and Dame Angela got even better ink in UK than on Broadway in 2009. Deservingly so I would say, since I liked the current production better. The audience adores Dame Angela: ovations at every entrance and exit and a standing ovation at the end of the play. There are about 100 people waiting at the stage door daily. The show is not a sold-out, I would say there were 5% of empty seats available the night I saw the play (Tuesday). But considering that there are no advertising what-so-ever, the play has been revival only recently and the fact that Dame Angela is the main reason to see the play even though it's a supporting role I think they are doing great moneywise.
I still can't believe she came to Australia to lead DRIVING MISS DAISY. What a random, remarkable treat that was. Wasn't it filmed? When is it coming out? The whole show felt like the role was written for her.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
It's gonna be released in UK theaters on 25 May followed by a live Q&A with Dame Angela from BFI. I doubt that it was written for her, but she really wanted to play the part in the movie (along with Lucille Ball and Katharine Hepburn.) Alfred Uhry wanted her to play Daisy for ages on stage. So glad it finally happened last year in such a great production and was filmed. Madame Arcati is a wonderful part, but Daisy Werthan has to be one of the best roles Dame Angela has ever played, period.
Today came the news that Blithe Spirit has recouped its investments in just 6 weeks.
"Angela Lansbury has proved to be an 88-year-old box-office sensation. Blithe Spirit, the show which hastened her return to the West End after 39 years, has paid back the £750,000 it cost to put on in just six weeks. The production at the Gielgud also stars Charles Edwards, Janie Dee and Jemima Rooper. It’s taking in roughly £350,000 a week. Even when you factor in theatre rental, wages and royalty fees, it’s going gang-busters. The show has to end in June, though, because Ms Lansbury, is heading back to the U.S. for her grandson’s wedding. ‘I’ll come back again, if people want me,’ she told me on opening night."