In the world of entertainment, there are performers, entertainers, and stars. Most are a mix but very few hit the trifecta.
Singer/actress Patti Lupone is one of those very few.
What a treat to experience her talent and star power live for her recent midweek “Matters of the Heart” concert brought to us by CalPoly Arts at the Performing Arts Center SLO.
The enthusiastic crowd warmly greeted Lupone and her pianist and string quartet as they hit the stage.
“Love Makes the World Go Round” from Carnival kicked off the festivities and from there Lupone’s command of the stage kept everyone rapt for her nearly two-hour show.
Song choices were surprisingly diverse, always thrilling to hear what came next. I don’t believe there’s ever been an artist who could soulfully cover “God Only Knows,” “Easy To Be Hard,” “The Air That I Breathe,” “Not A Day Goes By” and “Time After Time” in one 30-minute span.
The kitschy “Better Off Dead” lightened up the mood, demonstrating Lupone’s ability to convey all emotions of love—good, bad and funny—through lyrics and music.
You felt her gratitude and happiness to be performing at age 76; not a moment was mailed in.”
Lupone’s ability to play songs she didn’t write and make quips with her invisible wireless mic and no Cliff Notes was amazing. What can I say—she’s a pro’s pro.
But her obvious talent was equally matched by her spirit and engagement. You felt her gratitude and happiness to be performing at age 76; not a moment was mailed in.
It would have been cool to hear a tune from the Evita or Les Miz musicals Lupone starred in on Broadway back in the day, but that’s a pretty minor quibble.
Weeknight shows remain a post-COVID challenge for local theatres (the venue was half-full), but residents gotta take advantage of these rare opportunities. Lupone had never performed in SLO County before, so she glowingly made note of how beautiful our Central Coast is (duh) and her excitement at touring Hearst Castle the next day.
Not as excited as we were to see your show, Patti, so please come back anytime to share your gift of song.