Originated the role of Mrs. Potts in the Broadway production of the
Disney musical 'Beauty and the Beast'.
She attended Catholic schools and planned to enter a convent, but changed her mind and became a music teacher. As an actress, however, she has been frequently cast as a nun.
Has twice been nominated for Broadway's Tony Award: in 1990 as Best
Actress (Musical) for a revival of "Sweeney Todd,", and in 2004 as Best Featured Actress (Musical) for "The Boy from Oz.".