Went to see Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin last night at the DuPont Theatre and I offer this three word review: Go. Go. Go.
If you're a fan of musical theater, this is a must-see performance. Wilmington is one of the few East Coast cities where these Broadway legends are performing their revue. The pair are accompanied on piano by Patinkin's longtime pianist, Paul Ford.
Yes, LuPone sings the show-stopping "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" (please, please, please! don't let Madonna be your first thought when it comes to this ballad) and Patinkin does "Oh, What a Circus" - both from "Evita." Both are in as fine form and chill-bump inducing voice as when they won Tony Awards for the musical in 1980.
But it's also amazing to watch these long-time friends interact and skillfully maneuver around Stephen Sondheim's sometimes tongue-tying lyrics such as in "(Not) Getting Married Today" from "Company" and Franklin Shepard Inc" from "Merrily We Roll Along."
LuPone told The News Journal she and Patinkin don't really dance, but they do perform a "dance" while seated in rolling chairs that will have you chuckling - as will "April in Fairbanks."
The memorable show includes musical numbers from "South Pacific", "Showboat", "Into the Woods", "Gypsy," "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Carousel."
In the second act, there's lots of "Carousel" - maybe too much "Carousel" - but then I've never been a big fan of the production. When I mentioned this to my mother, she rolled her eyes and then gave me a lecture about appreciating this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic and how it offers one of the most beautiful and affecting scores of all time. (Some families discuss sports, others debate the merits of certain musicals....)
Anyway, Patinkin, the director of the show, can do no wrong in my opinion - he's had my heart since "Yentl" - and I'm already planning to see it again before it closes on Sunday.
And you just may see the pair around town the next few days. We saw Patinkin and LuPone enjoying an after show meal together in the Hotel du Pont's Lobby Lounge.
If you go to the show, I believe Deep Blue Bar & Grill on 11th Street offers before and after-theater specials.
2 comments:
Patty,
Yes, Deep Blue does indeed offer a very popular pre-theatre menu. And we've just begun a new post-theatre pormotion as well-- Champagne and dessert for $10. Last night we had a fun crowd after the show. Sorry you couldn't make it. I know, school night and all.
Patty LuPone and Mandy were at Cafe Mezzanotte Thursday night.
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