Help me love Patti Lupone!

Can't you just like who you like?

There's no reason to force yourself to like someone so you fit in.

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I enjoy her because she speaks her mind. Although I was aware of her in EVITA(and missed her by less than a week), I loved it when she got so hot and bothered when Madanna played in Speed the Plough. Patti proclaimed that she'd be the ONLY diva in Lincoln Center (Anything Goes). Shes outspoken and I loved her stories about Sir ALW and falling asleep in her Les Mis dressing room. She was a hoot in Noises Off, a thrill in Anything Goes and I also enjoyed her concert...on Broadway and on PBS. I enjoyed her Mrs Lovett...but shes no comparison with Angela.

The "get over it" which you refer to was saying don't feel upset that you don't think she's amazing like some others do.

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Although there's a lot that I don't like about her performing skills, I was also greatly bothered when she refused to go on stage to solicit funds for BroadwayCares/Equity Fights AIDS while she was in the revival of Noises Off. Did she consider herself "too good" to do that or is it that she just doesn't care about anyone other than herself?

So it is her that doesn't care.

Thats sad. I'm sure there are others in that cast who would love to help. If she is the reason why they only put in a flyer then what a you-know-what.

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"I was also greatly bothered when she refused to go on stage to solicit funds for BroadwayCares/Equity Fights AIDS while she was in the revival of Noises Off."

I also think that she thought only one person was going to go onstage and it ended up the whole cast went on without telling her.

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I would like to respond to Bettyboy's original question. I have always loved Patti LuPone. I had thought my reasons would be fairly easy to articulate, but I'm finding (in thinking about this answer) that adequate words are escaping me, so please bear with me.

In person, I think that Patti has this aura about her. For such a tiny little woman, she has the ability to fill a stage like few others. She's most definitely a commanding presence. She has inherent comedic (and dramatic) timing. When she takes the stage, I feel as though she makes it her job to give the audience what they came for. As an audience member, I am always grateful for that. Additionally, she knows who she is, what she thinks, and isn't afraid to express herself. I don't think that's a quality to fault somebody for - all of us should be so comfortable in our own skin.

When it comes to her voice, it appeals to me because of it's versatility. She has a wonderfully powerful belt which is simultaneously counterbalanced by a sweet melodic quality that, in my opinion, is very soothing. I also find her to have a most expressive speaking voice as well. I agree that her diction is a weakness, but what native New Yorker has perfect diction?

Of all of her recordings, the one that truly captures the "essence" that I recognize in her (and that I hope others recognize, as well), is her "Patti LuPone LIVE!" double CD set. If I had to pick a single song to recommend, that is a far more difficult task, but I would pick "Meadowlark."

I'm sure I'll think of more to add later, but I have to get back to work.

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Updated On: 6/27/06 at 03:47 PM

I agree with what Kel said, for sure. She does have an "aura" about her. When she is on stage, my eyes seem to be magnetically drawn to her. Her every move oozes stage presence and charisma. She's captivating. And the voice...I love her voice. It's rich, versatile, and unique. And personally, she inspires me.

Have you ever seen her perform live, Bettyboy? That is my recommendation! :)

Crimson and Dottie-Thanks

Crimson you are right. Seeing someone live can really help one understand the chemistry that comes together and draws you in. It is one of my priorities to see her perform. She did a benefit for a women's shelter when I lived in Cleveland. All of the social workers that worked at the shelter who were colleagues of mine said she was delightful and warm and wonderful. Very giving and committed to helping women.

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I wish I could see her perform in Gypsy this summer. I also think she would make a wonderful Dolly Levi.

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Does the director get no credit for the good parts of Lupone's performances or is it strictly due to her cajones?