2008 04-21 Broadway Bulletin: Patti LuPone - Boyd Gains...

*Patti LuPone starring in GYPSY revival.
*Co-Starring Boyd Gaines and Laura Benanti.

One of the people who continues to galvanize the stage and has done so decade after decade, is a woman who is literally able to provide an adrenaline rush by standing on a bare stage, opening her mouth and letting those glorious sounds rise. Yes, Patti LuPone is back on Broadway and she is currently starring in the classic show biz tale, Gypsy.

It's a wonderful production featuring the powerful Boyd Gaines and the elegant and always fabulous Laura Benanti. While the cast is great, there are no if's ands or butts about who the star is, as Patti and her endless reserves of energy are the real reason to make Gypsy your theatrical destination this season.

Patti has performed in tons of theatrical productions. The woman is a hard worker, going from a television stint on Ugly Betty to Broadway, trip to London. Not to mention a Tony nominated performance in Sweeny Todd. No need to give you her bio or her curriculum vitae in this column because I'd much rather tell you a personal story. Last week, as I walked into the theatre where Gypsy is playing, I recalled the first time I ever saw Patti on stage. It was in Evita around 1980. I can vividly remember the sensation I got seeing her back then; It felt like my heart was going to explode as she took the stage and made it her own. That night after the performance I couldn't fall asleep. I was so pumped by her energy, her grit, her presence, I simply could not sleep. So much so that I went back to see her in Evita again. Then I collected the original Broadway recordings featuring Patti and listened to them over and over: Patti LuPone in The Robber Bridegroom, Patti in Stephen Schwartz's The Baker's Wife singing Meadowlark, my all time favorite song, for which she is renowned. I saw her in concert, in cabaret, and more Broadway shows as they came along. Like so many theater enthusiasts, I was just in love with the energy and vitality and persona of Patti LuPone.

Years later, I was in the waiting room of my agent's office, next in line to record a voice over audition. I heard a voice wafting through the walls that sounded somewhat familiar. The door opened and out walked PATTI LUPONE!!! I am embarrassed to say, I leapt out of my seat, grabbed her and said, "It's you!! I love you!!" She didn't seem to mind and was quite gracious. I was mortified by my behavior, but really thrilled to have met her in that quite-by-accident way.

Now that Patti is back on Broadway, I am delighted to see her take a classic role and make it her gem.

In case you didn't get it yet, Patti LuPone in Gypsy. Go...

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