I saw Angela Lansbury at the AFI 40th Anniversary event

“Memories of a Magical Event”
Disclaimer: All recording devices were prohibited at this event. I had to rely on my memories of the evening to write this.
The show was scheduled to start at 7 p.m.. However, 7 p.m. came and went, and people were still being seated by Arclight ushers. A few minutes later, a spotlight lit up the podium. One of the AFI personnel announced that there would be a slight delay as Ms. Lansbury was still finishing up on the red carpet. Everyone in the audience was excited about what was to come, especially the three little darlings dressed as Belle in her signature golden yellow gown.
Finally, the camera man put on his headset, the sound board tech was at attention and the photographer was in position with her camera. The spotlight was turned back on and a hush fell over the audience. Waiting in the sidelines, behind the wall partition were AFI personnel and of course, the special guest presenter.
First to address the audience from the podium was Mr. Richard Frank, member of the AFI board of directors and former president of Disney Studios. This was at the time when “Beauty and the Beast” was made in 1991. He gave thanks to the audience for attending and gave homage to AFI and its importance in film. He then briefly talked about Disney’s “Renaissance Period” marked by Little Mermaid and ended by Tarzan. After his fond reflection of Disney films from his reign as president, he introduced the wonderful, Ms. Lansbury.
As Ms. Lansbury gracefully made her way to the podium, she was greeted with a standing ovation and a roar of applause. Angela Lansbury looked stunning this evening with her short, silvery hair framing her face so stylishly. She was chic tonight wearing long black pants, a black tank, a crisp white blazer, and a bright turquoise colored necklace . With that twinkle in her eye, she smiled at everyone, applauded back to the audience, and silently said,“thank you.”
Ms. Lansbury’s introduction began with a homage to AFI and Target for sponsoring the event. She gave thanks to all the head animators who were in charge of Belle, the Beast, Gaston, Lumiere and Cogsworth. She also gave thanks to the director and the score writers.
“Having Roy Disney there was just great. It was wonderful having someone from the Disney family there.”
“This film not only was the first animated feature to receive an Oscar nomination for best picture, but it also won an Oscar for best music score and best original song,‘Beauty and the Beast.’”
She went on to talk about how the song,“Beauty and the Beast” came about.“First they (Menken and Ashman) came up with the music and sent in a demo tape. Then, I took it home and sang the song as I thought Mrs. Potts would sing it and sent the studio my demo tape. And then that was it,” exclaimed Ms. Lansbury.
She said it was strange doing all the lines by herself.“On screen, we are all talking with each other, but actually, we all did our lines separately.”“It was quite different than what I had done before.”
Later, she went on to explain how this movie changed how children saw her.“No longer were children hiding behind their mothers when I came around. I would be shopping at the market and I would hear children whispering to their mother -“That’s Mrs. Potts,” smiled Ms. Lansbury.“This movie changed how people saw me. I became a heroine.”
When all was said and done, Ms. Lansbury said her goodbyes and made a very gracious exit escorted by Mr. Frank. Before she disappeared completely behind the wall partition, she stopped and waved to everyone one last time, smiling warmly to all.
The house lights dimmed and a hush came over the audience as the opening of “Beauty and the Beast” flickered on the big silver screen. The legendary star of stage and screen has now vanished completely from sight. But, she will never vanish from the hearts of those lucky enough to experience this magical Disney evening.

I saw photos of her from this. I thought she looked prettier than ever! I loved her outfit. She looked especially youthful!

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You are so lucky to have seen Angela Lansbury in Person. I would love to have gone to this event or her Play in New York. Everyone says She is a lovely Person. I have a Friend that met her in New York. I wish She would make another Murder She Wrote Movie!

Oh, Haley, she was amazing in her play, "Deuce" in New York City. I had the great fortune to not only see the play twice, but to meet and embrace Angela Lansbury in person. I visited NYC specifically to catch the great AL on stage. When my flight was unexpectedly canceled, I was able to see her TWICE, which allowed me the chance meeting when AL exited The Music Box Theater. I told her I was in NYC simply to see her in person on stage, and she hugged me, and kissed me on the cheek. She was every bit as graceful, kind, and fabulous in person. It was an amazing night!