PATTI AT RAVINIA - please post reviews here — Page 2

still playing mind games about my maybe going. I went and saw there were a few 25 dollar seats! Argghgh! This is so horrible but yet it's all I think about and I keep refreshing this thread

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The CSO was as much as a character as Rose. Patti was wonderful! Her Rose's Turn was outstanding. I did not see much of the show, we were on the lawn. The crowd was fairly small on the lawn.

Gustof, the lawn seats are only $10.00, and you can take the train from the loop for a few dollars - it is worth the trip.

Metra has $5 round trip fares and the train lets you off at the front door--no traffic, no parking, no hassle.

I have no time to write a full review now -- I'm on a friend's computer -- but let me join the chorus of approval for Lupone and the entire production. I have to admit that my LEAST favorite director, Lonny Price, did a great job staging this event (using much of the original Robbins directorial blueprint), keeping things moving at a blistering pace. The design elements -- lighting, costumes and minimalist sets -- were all finely accomplished and smoothly integrated into the proceedings.

My only issue with the performance was that the Chicago Symphony under Paul Gemignani's baton, while lush and impressive for the ballads and certain other moments of the score, lacked a certain oomph for the brassier sections. The sound balance definitely sounded off throughout, noticeable especially when the bravura trumpet solo in the overture was drowned out by strings and the real lack of rhythmic punch during "You Gotta Get a Gimmick."

Beyond those quibbles, though, the evening was first rate. Leo Ash Evans as Tulsa turned in a thrilling "All I Need Now Is A Girl." The strippers -- Derin Altay (Electra), Jane Blass (Mazeppa), Debra Watassek (Tessie Tura) -- were outstanding, coming close to stopping the show cold with "Gimmick." The Dainty Junes and kids were all properly energetic. Jack Willis provided a strong, solid presence as Herbie. Jessica Boevers was a superb Louise, handling the transformation of the character from shy wallflower to the strong independent woman that was Gypsy Rose Lee with aplomb.

As for Mme. Lupone -- WOW. This is the first time I've seen a Rose who didn't seem to be struggling just to get through the score or for whom the role didn't seem too big for her (though Tyne Daly was also rather formidable). Given the extremely limited rehearsal time, I didn't expect Lupone to be able to do much more than give a solid account of the score and not much else. Well, Lupone not only knocked the music out of the ballpark -- singing the heck out of the score with a real intelligence, belting when necessary for effect, but also gorgeously using her head voice to bring out the character's more tender side -- she also gave a full-fledged acting performance that was a tour de force. She captured every aspect of Rose, her drive and strength and intensity, her exasperating single-mindedness, and her indominable will, but also her vulnerability, her neediness, her femininity and sexiness, and her pain and insecurities. Her Rose is a complex and fascinating creation, very human and not a monster which makes her passion for her children to succeed understandable. That Lupone could bring so many shades of this character to life in so short a time is nothing short of remarkable. And her "Rose's Turn" was a classic, earning a well-deserved standing ovation. This was truly great performance in every category, the best Rose I've ever seen by far and a performance that was for the ages.

Gotta run, but anyone reading this who can make it to Ravinia for one of the two remaining performances has a great and memorable treat in store. This was an unforgettable evening.

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Oh man, I wish I could go... ah well.

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thank you for sharing those photos! How incredible.

I just did Gypsy and yes, the hat is supposed to fall off.

Damn you all! My quiet weekend at home has been turned upside down. Flying to Chicago tomorrow @ noon and flying back (at 7AM!) Monday morning.

Gotta run--I need to purge my bag of all liquids and gels....how the heck am I supposed to moisturize?!?

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I wholeheartedly agree with everyone who has reviewed so far. It was my first time at Ravinia, my first time seeing "Gypsy" in any context, and my first time seeing Patti LuPone in person. Needless to say it was extremely overwhelming... and I loved every second of it. I went with three friends; we had all bought lawn seats and found a picnicky spot quite close to the back of the house of the pavilion, which was lucky. We wound up standing up at the back of the pavilion at the railing and watching everything as if it had been SRO, which was fiiiine by us!

The lighting was beautiful, really colorful and captivating; the set (minimal as it was) was intriguing to watch. The orchestra was FANTASTIC. It was very surreal having something so extraordinarily professional in an outdoorish setting. The cast was very clean and professional; the kids were amazing! June was great, Louise was very relatable (oy vey) as a dormouse and jaw-droppingly bold as Gyspy Rose Lee in the second act. I had to keep reminding myself it was the same girl. Tulsa was FANTASTIC (and, FYI, anyone who cares: he and Telly Leung [late of Chicago Wicked] were best friends in college! Go figure...) Herbie was very good, although I felt like I missed something concerning the relationship between him and Louise... the tension in act one, is that ever explained? Regardless, I thought he was good, and his final scene with Rose was wonderfully played. Ms. LuPone was nothing short of insanely sensational. Adjectives begin to fail me right about now, remembering her head-first dive into the role from the very beginning of the show. I can't believe she's never played Rose before; at the end of the first act we all looked at each other and went, "Bernadette WHO?" And then of course "Rose's Turn".... I'm sure you can all try to imagine what it was like, but let me say that I seriously shut down when she finished. I couldn't move, I couldn't speak, it was just... guh. GUH, I say!

Meeting her afterwards was another mind-numbing moment. It took an hour, an hour and a half for her to come out, but by the time she did the crowds had thinned to about ten of us (I see others who posted here were there! HULLO! *waves*) and it was very nice. She was so cheery and kind... I had her sign my "Lady With A Torch" liner notes and then gave her a present: a Little Priest, whom I have been carrying around with me since June. I sang "A Little Priest" for a revue that month, then found the Little Priest at a local party store, and have been carrying him about for photo ops all summer. I went to Ireland and had him blessed in holy water at the Basilica at Knock, and then decided to show him off to Patti, who took it as a gift (which I definitely don't mind!). She was like, "OH this is so COOL... I'm gonna have this blessed!" and I went "It's already been blessed.... in Ireland..." and the look on her face was PRICELESS. Made me all warm and fuzzy inside. :]

So the Little Priest journeys onwards... :] And I finally met Patti fricking LuPone. WHEE!

bta, if your plane doesn't go through, you should hire camels. Or, like.... a racecar. Or something. Probably the racecar with priority over the camels. The camels should be plan B. Or plan C. Whichever. If you think of something better.

I should have Ravinia pay me royalty to use that quote. :]

Thank you for the reviews, everyone! Oh, but if only I could get to Chicago! I'll just have to close my eyes and imagine it!

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Oh wow...I'm so so so so SO jealous of everyone who has, and will have the joy of seeing this performance.

Thanks for the reviews, even though it saddens me that I won't be able to see this.