There are some people out there (you know who you are) who refer to me as “Ravinia Bob.” Over time, this nickname was been truncated to “RivB,” and eventually “Riv2theB.” Why? Because I’ve made some lifelong friends over the years attending many events at the Highland Park concert venue — particularly during the summer of [...]
Patti LuPone gives a true audition
Remember this classic scene from “Life Goes On”? No? Well, take a moment and watch the clip below, if not only to witness LuPone (as Libby Tatcher) give one kick-ass audition, but to see LuPone stop mid-performance to yell at an audience member — one of her favorite pastimes. Only, this time the audience member is the [...]
Bway’s Funny Girl announced (sorry, LuPone)
And now for something completely unrelated to Chicago theatre. After much speculation, gossip and conjecture, they’ve announced the star of the new Bartlett Sher-helmed production of Funny Girl, set to open on Broadway in spring 2012. And it’s some TV actress I don’t know. Oh, well. (Hey, anyone but Lea Michele, right?) Obviously they didn’t [...]
Some thoughts after watching Sondheim’s ‘Company’ in the movie theatre
A few friends and I drove up and over to icky Rosemont yesterday to see the filmed NYPhil concert of Company starring Neil Patrick Harris, Stephen Colbert, Patti LuPone, Martha Plimpton and more. Here are a few of my thoughts: Neil Patrick Harris was very fine in the book scenes. He’s a charmer and, yet, [...]
Patti LuPone on Barbara Streisand in ‘Gypsy’
Ah, Patti LuPone — always one with a colorful quote. To add to this list, here’s what the Broadway diva had to say in a recent Q&A about Streisand starring in an on-again/off-again movie adaptation of Gypsy, a show for which LuPone won the 2008 Best Actress in a Musical Tony Award: Any thoughts on [...]
Patti LuPone will get you sh*tfaced
Yesterday, Broadway diva Patti LuPone was honored by The Drama League for, basically, being Patti LuPone. Fancy Broadway types, socialites (and the lovely SarahB, who volunteered at the event and blogged about it here) came together to honor the bawdy belter. New York magazine recently asked some of the attendees to share their favorite “meeting [...]
Things I learned reading Patti LuPone’s memoir: a fan’s perspective
To say I’m a fan of Patti LuPone’s would be an understatement. Sixteen years ago, I happened upon a record (the vinyl kind) of the 1987 cast recording of Anything Goes where she starred as the sassy Reno Sweeney. I quickly wore that record out, and this thin, dorky high schooler was hooked. I’ve since [...]
It’s (finally) arrived.
Review to come. (And, oh boy, I can’t wait to write it.) Get your copy > “Fasten your seatbelts; it’s going to be a bumpy night.”
It’s a Patti LuPone fest around here
I’m in love with this Out.com interview with LuPone by Mickey Rapkin. It’s ripe with gems: For a second LuPone is quiet. “It’s show business,” she says. “Sometimes it fucking sucks.” “I’m Sicilian. It’s not water off a duck’s back. It sits there and it festers. For years.” And so she briefly explains that she [...]
The stars align for Ravinia’s ‘Sondheim: 80′ concert
On July 31st, those lucky Highland Parkers are in for a real treat. Musical theatre legend Stephen Sondheim has turned 80 this year, and to celebrate, Patti LuPone, George Hearn, Audra McDonald and Michael Cerveris — four of Broadway’s very brightest performers — will honor some of his iconic works at the Ravinia festival. This will [...]
And (again) here’s why I love Patti LuPone
A beautiful arrangement of a beautiful song. And LuPone sings it as only LuPone can (i.e., unintelligibly). Though, I can’t stop listening to it.
A season of divas: LuPone, Skinner and Ebersole
Watch out Chicago! A flurry of diva activity is coming your way in the next few months, so bundle up accordingly! Wow. How’s that for a cheesy opener? Anyway, as I was looking at what’s coming down the pike, I noticed some big-time female theatre talent is making its way to the windy city. Here’s [...]
Patti LuPone is PISSED
And she’s blaming California. From contactmusic.com: Veteran Broadway star PATTI LUPONE has been left “greatly upset” by reports she has fallen behind on her tax payments, accusing California state officials of making a “mistake”. The actress/singer recently had a $9,983 (£6,655) tax lien filed against her in the state of California, but she insists she’s [...]
Patti LuPone celebrates the winning Olympic bid
Better late than never, I say! Take it away, Patti: (Are your ears and eyes bleeding yet?)
LuPone is Annie Oakley at Ravinia in 2010
Chris Jones reports that Patti LuPone will play Annie Oakley in a concert version of Annie Get Your Gun at the Ravinia Festival in 2010. Brian Stokes Mitchell will be her Frank Butler, and Lonnie Price will direct the semi-staged concert. Price directed LuPone in a one-night only concert of AGYG (yay acronyms!) at the [...]
Welcome to [CTA]
- Hi. My name's Bob Bullen and I'm a Chicago Theatre Addict [CTA]. Learn more here. Please leave comments — I'd love to hear what you think, and promise to do my best to reply.
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