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"Right, Luv." When she signed for the role, she trained for it like a boxer, worked out in a gym three hours a day, turning "fat into muscle." She keeps in shape onstage now, running through nine songs, five dance numbers and 17 costume changes—so many that she needs extra dressing rooms, one in each wing. Offstage, her shape is that of a housewife. Unlike most actresses, she is not driven by that ego-torn compulsion for the spotlight. She is comfortably married to Movie Executive Peter Shaw and spends most of her private hours doting on her children, Anthony, 14, Deirdre, 13 and stepson David, 22. "I can be quite happy in Hollywood being a housewife," says Lansbury. "But Peter notices the danger signs—an extra pound on the backside—and says, 'Right, luv, it's time you went to work again,' and back I go."
No need for Husband Peter to be concerned any longer. Mame has already socked away more than $1,500,000 in advance sales, the house is booked solid until October, and top seats are not available before December. Goodbye, Dolly!, hello, Mame.