PATTI LuPONE - middle name: Danger (Time Out NY)

[being.jeremiah]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 1:44pm

Patti LuPone
Broadway diva, red-hot Mama, potential sidewalk vigilante
(and in the printed copy, "middle name: Danger")

http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/40th-anniversary/61051/patti-lupone-interview-with-time-out-new-york

What is the biggest thing that’s happened to the city in the past 13 years?
Patti LuPone: What the hell are they doing to Times Square? This is my question. Is it a theme park? Is it a walking district? Is it a pedicab-carriage district? Is it a strip mall? Frankly, I wish they would go back to the fact that this is the theater district, and allow it to be the theater district. Enough with the MTV and the Hard Rock Cafe. I so preferred it when my life was in danger walking the streets of Times Square. I would rather have a sex shop than an Applebee’s.

***

Many actors these days give studied, contained performances that do what they’re supposed to do but don’t risk anything beyond than that. But you seem willing to go to bigger, riskier places. Is that built into the way that you are?
Patti LuPone: Yes. And it’s been a struggle my entire career. It’s not acceptable in this country. Who I am, my face, my persona, if you want to call it that, is at home and comfortable and anonymous in Italy. In America, it stands out, because it’s raw, it’s big, it’s emotional. My face is raw, big and emotional. It didn’t work for the longest time. All my career, I’ve said this: Critics and producers think audiences want actors that only present the silhouette, and hit the points in the silhouette. What I do is too dangerous. I guess it isn’t anymore. [Laughs] I guess it’s okay. Look at the audience’s response in Gypsy! And I’m not holding anything back.

Is your personal life is as dramatic as your stage life?
Patti LuPone: [To her son] Josh, Adam wants to know if my personal life is as dramatic as my stage life.
Josh: Of course not! Of course not, Mom! Now when do I get my money?
Patti LuPone: [Laughs] I dare you to print that!

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 1:54pm

That picture is fabulous and the interview itself is pure Patti

LOVE it and love her.

[BroadwayBelle2]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 2:14pm

Yes it is a great interview - I wish it was filmed.

[CarolynaGirl]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 2:56pm

I'm pretty sure there was already a thread about this.
But still - good article.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 6:13pm

I love her statement about the old Times Square.

She is great in Gypsy by the way - the best of all I have seen.

[sally1112]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 9:02pm

"I would rather have a sex shop than an Applebee’s"

Patti, What about an Applebee's with a sex shop? Hmmm...