Help me love Patti Lupone!

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 2:47pm

Hi everyone. Over the years as a theatre lover I never got into Patty Lupone. It's not because I don't like her, I think she is great but I never had much exposure to her and never really GRAVITATED toward her. I think you all know how you can gravitate towards the sound of someone's voice or singing style. Since I like Buckley and Peters, I clearly love a vibrato. So, I am asking for those of you who ADORE Patti to post why you adore her. Please be as specific as possible. Talk about her voice, what specific details about it you love, any specific songs or recordings I need to hear or buy that showcase her voice. Please write all about the nuances that make Patti divine and help me understand her better. Thanks

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 2:50pm

Can't you just like who you like?

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

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 2:50pm

Thank you.

If you don't like her, get over it.

[once a month]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 2:52pm

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.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 2:56pm

Actually, its not that I don't like her. I just like to hear what others find fascinating about a performer. That is helpful for me. I love hearing how others discovered people and the intricacies of that. Also, I might have only heard a few things that true fans might not consider her best or showcase.

It amazes me how quickly things can get negative on here. This is an open forum for exploration of theatre related topics, is it not.

"Get over it" is so insulting to my original, very innocent and good hearted request.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 2:59pm

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.

[Magdalene]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 3:04pm

I enjoy her interpretations as an actress---she really infuses life into her roles. That said, she usually plays strong roles, and she has the attitude to pull them off!

Posted: 6/27/06 at 3:12pm

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?

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 3:16pm

It was that she didn't want to ask the audience for money after they paid so much to see the show. That's why Sweeney didn't do an announcement, they just put a flier in the Playbill.

Posted: 6/27/06 at 3:17pm

So it is her that doesn't care.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 3:25pm

I like her because she has a very powerful voice. She can really belt those notes in Evita ("He supports you, for he loves you...).

But she has always had sloppy diction.

[C is for Company]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 3:27pm

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.

[SeptemberKel]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 3:32pm

Give me a break. The woman just performed her Torch concert a month ago for BC/EFA, so I highly doubt that she "doesn't care."

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 3:35pm

"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.

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 3:42pm

I have never been a big fan of hers, which I have said before. And I was not thrilled that she was doing Sweeney Todd. I did see the show and she was wonderful. I would not see a show just because she is in it, but I will see a show she happens to be in if the show itself interests me. (Like Sweeney) She is a very talented performer and worthy of the title "Diva", but I am just not one of those people who loooove her. And yes, I would see Sweeney again with her in it.

[SeptemberKel]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 3:47pm

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.

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

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 3:49pm

Kel,

Thank you for your heartfelt reply. That is exactly what I am looking for. Your post warmed my heart. Please keep adding as you think of songs or tidbits you like about her that you wish to share.

[CrimsonFaerie]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 4:03pm

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! :)

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 4:08pm

Bettyboy72, there is something about her that I've always liked, though I can't pinpoint exactly what. Unfortunately she happened to be out the night I saw Evita (December 1980). I was in high school at the time and spent $30 (which was a lot of money to me then) for a front row ticket.

I did, however, happen to see her cabaret act at Les Mouche a few months earlier. Though I don't remember too much about it.

I enjoyed her performance in Anything Goes, too.

And everytime I hear, "cheap Christmas trash" I always think of her. I think that line is from the movie, "Driving Miss Daisy".

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 4:20pm

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.

[lamentingenvelope]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 4:21pm

I love Patti because she's a leading lady who's not afraid to bring a bit of an edge and play up the darkness in her roles. The production of Evita that I saw had the title character played by an actress who you could tell had only played innocent, good girl ingenue roles and treated Eva like an innocent, good girl ingenue. Patti isn't afraid to go into the dark side of her characters and I love that about her. Her Lovett knows exactly what she wants and doesn't hide it.

Plus, what the others are saying: she has INCREDIBLE stage presence, she's fascinating to watch, and her voice is so versatile and strong and unique. Some people complain about her diction but I've never had a problem with it, and in Sweeney I think she had BETTER diction than a lot of performers I've seen - though this may have something to do with the scaled down orchestra (there's not as much music to compete with.)

Also she's just a good old-fashioned diva. You love to hate her and you hate that you love her. If that makes sense. Her website cracks me up, the captions to her pictures.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 4:44pm

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

[SeptemberKel]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 7:12pm

I completely concur with what lamentingenvelope said about her not being afraid to bring out the "darkness" in her character. That is absolutely true - especially with Evita. Pardon the crass phrasing, but it's that "balls to the wall" quality that is one of the things I am drawn to.

Posted: 6/27/06 at 7:23pm

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

[CrimsonFaerie]

Posted: 6/27/06 at 8:22pm

Tom - I think a good director can draw brilliant things out of an actor. No one would argue that. But the actor is the one performing on stage every night.