Friday, April 01, 2005
Speaking of Sondheim: "Passion" at Lincoln Center
Got home late last night, but couldn't resist watching the first 20 minutes or so of Live from Lincoln Center's production of Passion starring Audra MacDonald, Michael Cerveris and Patti LuPone.
Thrilling! Really.
I saw the original production and found it challenging. Soaring and beautiful in parts, hard to believe and frustrating in others. But what stood out then and stands out now is hearing three singers at the top of their form tackle those intricate Sondheim melodies.
MacDonald is a worthy successor to Marin Mazzie in the role of Clara. They share that voice that easily traverses up, down and around where most women find a "break."
Michael Cerveris outshines my memory of the original Giorgio.
And Patti LuPone? Well, I stayed up until after 1am to see her first big number, and she was amazing. Her voice is cast-iron...no signs of age or wear. And her passion, commitment, intensity: reminded me of watching Bernadette Peters singing "Rose's Turn" in Gypsy a couple of eyars back. You're watching this Broadway icon, but you find yourself forgetting everything you ever knew of them or saw them do and getting swept into their moment. Hold-your-breath stuff for me.
Can't wait to watch the rest!
Oh, and Here's the NY Times review.
Thrilling! Really.
I saw the original production and found it challenging. Soaring and beautiful in parts, hard to believe and frustrating in others. But what stood out then and stands out now is hearing three singers at the top of their form tackle those intricate Sondheim melodies.
MacDonald is a worthy successor to Marin Mazzie in the role of Clara. They share that voice that easily traverses up, down and around where most women find a "break."
Michael Cerveris outshines my memory of the original Giorgio.
And Patti LuPone? Well, I stayed up until after 1am to see her first big number, and she was amazing. Her voice is cast-iron...no signs of age or wear. And her passion, commitment, intensity: reminded me of watching Bernadette Peters singing "Rose's Turn" in Gypsy a couple of eyars back. You're watching this Broadway icon, but you find yourself forgetting everything you ever knew of them or saw them do and getting swept into their moment. Hold-your-breath stuff for me.
Can't wait to watch the rest!
Oh, and Here's the NY Times review.
// posted by ElisaC @ 10:15 AM 
