Can someone explain Patti LuPone?

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:14pm

I can't understand Patti LuPone's appeal. I don't think her voice is that great. I mean no disrectpect all, but I just don't get what the big deal is. Maybe I'm missing something because so many people adore her.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:15pm

Agreed.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:17pm

Explain Shoshana Bean and I'll explain Lupone.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:17pm

Agreed, again.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:18pm

I second that.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:19pm

Personally, I think her voice is rather remarkable, in terms of range and sheer power. Perhaps, if you'd seen in Evita or in Gypsy last week (one of the best musical performances I've ever seen) you'd have a higher opinion of her.

But then, these things are subjective.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:20pm

I agree. The power of her belt is pretty astonishing. She makes Shoshana, Eden, and yes Idina look like complete amatures.
Updated On: 8/22/06 at 08:20 PM

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:20pm

It's 'cause she's such a class act. Not only is she amazingly talented (both in voice and acting abilities), but her character and the way she presents herself is just so great.

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:20pm

"Explain Shoshana Bean and I'll explain Lupone."

Well I'm not a huge Shoshana Bean fan. But I think people like her because of her riffs.

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:24pm

SHUT UP PATTI LUPONE.....

I love her cause she is one of the few who can be so self deprecating and she is great and making fun of herself. She is fabulous. She was great in her concert. I think alot of it has to do with her speaking voice. It is very brassy tough as nails and some people may be put off by it.

I personally adore her and think that her Matters of the Heart has some of her best work.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:28pm

If this was an explain Laura Benanti or explain Idina Menzel, we'd all get ripped new ones for some of the rude comments in this thread about one of Broadway's most unique performers.

Here's why you hate Lupone:

Your ears aren't trained to enjoy anything other than the mediocre crap Broadway shills out these days.

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:28pm

This thread is disrespectful and should be deleted.

This board is to promote Broadway and share the love of performing. There doesn't need to be a thread like this started.

Start a thread about someone you admire, not one you do not like.

Patti Lupone is incredible. She is a true, honest, very funny, very intelligent and talented woman- one I have admired my whole life.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=36612564

Updated On: 8/22/06 at 08:28 PM

[AElizabeth]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:30pm

It seems like everyone tends to be hot or cold on Patti LuPone, and I'd imagine that is because she's very distinctive. Her voice is unusual, she's not a traditional beauty, she's very brassy and outspoken and funny. I'm crazy about her. I LOVE her voice and could listen to her sing all day. Her acting and interpretations always impress me, and I think she is hysterical to boot.

That being said, I can almost understand someone disliking her for very similiar reasons. She's atypical, and I think either she clicks with you or she doesn't.
Updated On: 8/22/06 at 08:30 PM

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:30pm

Your ears aren't trained to enjoy anything other than the mediocre crap Broadway shills out these days.

- Bobby, I love you!

[TomMonster]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:30pm

I agree with Margo. You really have to see her to believe her. Kinda like Ethel.

However, Patti CAN really sing and more importantly can ACT! Sometimes, it's just not so clear...

Her performance in the current Sweeney justifies her cred. She has played the part before, but completely reinvented her own take on it for this production. Only a true actress can change their approach to a piece that they are already comfortable with.

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:31pm

not only the power of her voice, but how much nuance & character she can convey in just a few words!

& i admire her as a person, as well as an artist; she's intellligent, articulate & she dont take no crap!!!!!

try reading her blog; she's smart, funny & REAL.
Patti's blog

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:31pm

What everyone else said. I also love watching/reading interveiws of her. She's hilarious and very insightful when she has to be.
Updated On: 8/22/06 at 08:31 PM

[lifeisacabaret]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:34pm

Yet another "be nice about everyone" post.

Get over it. If you think the theatre world is at all universally pleasant, you are sorely mistaken.

I guess i dont find her self-deprication and general comportment much of a defining factor because in the uk, public figures using self-deprecating humour is more usual and is far more readily available to see.

I have heard her voice, ive listened to it extensively, and I just dont get it. And before I get accused of having untrained ears, well, 8 years of vocal training (before I made the technical/producing move) mean I can safely say I know what im on about.

However, she really DOES look like a man in drag!
(not entirely seriously)

[theaterkid1015]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:34pm

I know that it might be off topic, but I'll just put in my thoughts on Patti.

I love her sometimes and sometimes I don't. I mean, she's got a unique voice. She knows how to use it. She can act and she's sustained a great career. I can only imagine her as Mama Rose and feel jealous of the people who saw her. However, I don't like her in Mrs. Lovett for whatever reason. I can't say why.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:36pm

We have to be nice about all the crappy performers worshipped on this board, but should also sit and watch you bash legends too?

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:42pm

We have to be nice about all the crappy performers worshipped on this board, but should also sit and watch you bash legends too?

- Get out of my head, Bobby! This is exactly my point. I can't convey my thoughts as good as you.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:42pm

We have to be nice about all the crappy performers worshipped on this board, but should also sit and watch you bash legends too?

- Get out of my head, Bobby! This is exactly my point. I can't convey my thoughts as good as you.

[aspiringactress]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:44pm

Ah, how I love the Patti.

She is a TRUE inspiration. She transitions between musicals and plays, and bring actual acting ability to musical theatre which is sadly rare these days.

For the record, I don't think the first post was offensive, it was more about saying she looks like a man in drag that got to me.

[lifeisacabaret]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:45pm

Legend bashing? Please

Its expressing an opinion, in the same way that someone saying they hate norbert/chenoweth/menzel might be saying the same thing.

Negative or positive, everyone has a right to express their opinions on a performer.

There should be no sacred cows on broadway.

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 8/22/06 at 8:45pm

Can someone explain Patti LuPone?

She's Patti F#%king LuPone. Don't mess with her.