A former waitress and rockabilly singer in her salad days, she co-wrote
and starred in the musical Pump Boys and Dinettes, based on her earlier
experiences. It started off-off Broadway and ended up winning a Tony
nomination for Best Musical in 1982.
Voted best personality by graduating class at Wheaton High School in
Silver Spring, Maryland.
Graduate of Frostburg State University.
Won 1993 Tony Award as best actress (featured role - play)
for Redwood Curtain. She also received Tony nominations two other
times: in 1994 in the same category in a
revival of William Inge's Picnic; and in 1997 as best actress
(featured role - musical) for Steel Pier.
Playing Matron Mama Morton in Chicago on Broadway.