Review: 'An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin' in Detroit

This weekend is your last chance to catch Mandy Patinkin and Patti LuPone do their amazing touring production "An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin" in Detroit at the Fisher Theatre.  The production opened on Tuesday April 14th, 2009 and is a delight that is not to be missed.  These two stars have not been together on stage since their Tony Award Winning performances in Evita in 1980, and it is truly a thrill to be able to see them performing together again.

Both extremely accomplished actors, Mr. Patinkin and Ms. LuPone have amazing credits to their name.  As the title role in Evita, Ms. LuPone wowed audiences, as did Mr. Patinkin in the role of "Che".  Since then, both have had wonderfully successful careers on and off the Broadway stage. 

I was lucky enough to get the chance to see them perform Friday night, and would encourage anyone in the area to try and catch one of their weekend shows.  This truly is a once in a lifetime experience.  Mr. Patinkin has said in other interviews that he loves surprising an audience so I don't want to spoil the surprise, but suffice it to say I don't think anyone will be disappointed.  Most of the music comes from Rodgers and Hammerstein or Stephen Sondheim, although other composers material is used as well.  The songs are arranged beautifully to make for an enjoyable evening filled with laughter and tears and heartfelt emotion.

Paul Ford and Greg Sheldon provide wonderful accompaniment on the piano and bass, and there is beautiful choreography provided by Tony Award winner Ann Reinking. 

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the show is the unique feel that the evening had.  You almost feel as though you have been transported back into a different era, and it really does feel like a once in a lifetime opportunity.  The chemistry between Ms. Lupone and Mr. Patinkin is palpable, and their voices are as strong as ever. 

The Fisher Theatre seemed the perfect venue for an event such as this, as it is a very opulent theatre with an intimate feel.  The entire audience was enthusiastic and clearly enjoying themselves throughout the performance.  I even overheard many comments about how lucky people felt to be able to witness these two performers singing together again.

Finally, I would encourage younger audiences to consider checking out this show.  One thing I noticed was that for the most part, the audience seemed to consist of an older crowd, and I think that younger people could really enjoy this experience as it is something which is no longer common on the Broadway stage.  You get to hear old classics that are no longer performed, by two performers who clearly love and appreciate the music they are singing.  Don't miss out, "An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin" is an evening you will never forget.

Where: The Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI

When: Saturday April 18^th at 2:00pm and 8:00pm and Sunday April 19^th at 2:00PM and 7:30PM

Tickets range from $31.50 to $66.50 and can be purchased online here, by phone at 1-800-982-2787 or directly at the Fisher Theatre Box Office.  

For additional information please visit Mandy Patinkin's official website: http://www.mandypatinkin.org/

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