I really think that we are talking apples and oranges in this thread. I've seen the movie AND the stage musical and it's very difficult to compare them because of the fact that they are, by nature, different. I loved "Evita" on the stage and thought both Lupone and Patikin were incredible and deserved their Tony's. I must admit that I was skeptical when the movie was about to be released and having already been burned by "The Wiz" and "A Chorus Line", I was not expecting much. I enjoyed the movie and I must also admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of Antonio Banderas. I thought Madonna also did well and it's a movie that I now own on DVD.
The movie, being one that I continue to enjoy, is quite different from the stage production and, being a theatre person, I just prefer most things that I've seen on the stage that's been later made into a film.
I happen to like Mandy's voice quite a bit and it's difficult to find a stronger singer then Patti, so for me, if I had to choose a favorite, it would have to be the stage production.
Could Patti have been as good an Eva in the movie? Probably not. Could Madonna have sung Eva on stage? No way.
I think that both Antonio and Mandy could play the role of 'Che' on Broadway AND in the move but I personally prefer the voice of Mandy Patinkin and I still remember his incredible energy and the outstanding performance he delivered on Broadway.
As I said, I enjoy the performances in the move and I pop it in my DVD player and watch it every once in a while.
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