Podcast Summary: Patti LuPone: “I Was Born to Do What I Do”

Introduction

In the premiere episode of Season 11 of The Grand Tourist, host Dan Rubinstein welcomes the iconic Patti LuPone, a celebrated singer, performer, and actress renowned for her work on both stage and screen. With an illustrious career spanning Broadway hits like Evita and Les Misérables, LuPone shares intimate insights into her life, artistry, and the inspirations that have shaped her enduring legacy.

Early Life and Family Background

Patti LuPone reminisces about her upbringing in Northport, Long Island, highlighting the contrast between the idyllic rural setting and the town's darker undercurrents. She describes Long Island during her childhood as a place of "potato farms" and "horse farms" (04:10), surrounded by water that brought life and vibrancy to her summers. Despite the picturesque environment, she acknowledges the troubled aspects of Northport, mentioning incidents of "murders, drugs, etc." (04:25), which painted a complex picture of her hometown.

LuPone delves into her Italian-American heritage, detailing how her first-generation immigrant parents from Sicily and Abruzzo settled in Long Island. Reflecting on her family's migration, she muses, "how did my grandparents... go 12 hours north to Buffalo when they could have gone 12 hours east to the Hamptons?" (04:57), illustrating her curiosity about her family's choices and the mysterious paths that led them to their suburban lives.

Discovering the Stage: Early Performances and Family Influence

From a young age, Patti exhibited a natural affinity for performance. She recalls being "trooped out in front of guests to do my Marilyn Monroe imitation" at just three or four years old (08:10), showcasing her early penchant for the spotlight. Her family's lively and dramatic nature fostered an environment where performance was both encouraged and expected. Despite her parents' lack of show business background, Patti found herself "born to the boards," embracing the stage with enthusiasm and an innate understanding of her calling.

Juilliard Days: Training and Rebellion

Patti's journey to becoming a performing arts luminary began at the prestigious Juilliard School. Initially part of the preparatory program with aspirations in opera—a path she was less passionate about—she found her true passion in drama. Reflecting on her rebellious nature, she admits, "I have a rebellious nature... It's in my DNA that I'm incredibly curious" (06:16), which sometimes led to clashes with the disciplined environment of Juilliard.

Despite challenges, including brief mentions of nearly being expelled for her "rambunctious" behavior (11:27), Patti credits her Juilliard training as the cornerstone of her career. She recounts her brother Bobby's successful journey through the dance division, contrasting it with her own less conventional path, ultimately leading her to embrace acting full-heartedly (08:10-13:09).

The Acting Company: Touring and Trials

After graduating, Patti joined The Acting Company, embarking on a grueling tour that tested her resilience and honed her craft. She describes the experience as "unbelievable training for young actors in technique, but also what we encountered" (14:11), emphasizing the rigorous schedule of "classical theater 13 hours a day, six days a week" (14:11).

LuPone shares vivid anecdotes from the road, including navigating logistical nightmares during blizzards and managing unexpected challenges like torn Achilles injuries (17:40-20:00). These experiences not only built her technical skills but also instilled a profound dedication to the craft of acting.

Collaborations with David Mamet and Stephen Sondheim

Patti highlights the profound impact of working with literary and musical giants David Mamet and Stephen Sondheim. She reveres Mamet as "one of the two greatest teachers" in her career, lauding his "incredibly musical" language and the fulfillment she found in expressing his characters' rage (23:38-24:52). Similarly, her collaboration with Stephen Sondheim is described with admiration for his "taskmaster" approach and his ability to distill complex ideas into concise, impactful directives (26:17-28:00).

These collaborations not only refined her acting and singing techniques but also deepened her understanding of textual fidelity, echoing her belief that actors must "trust the playwright" and deliver the playwright's ideas authentically (24:52).

Defining Roles: Les Misérables and Evita

Patti's portrayal of Fantine in the original London production of Les Misérables and Eva Perón in Evita are highlighted as pivotal moments in her career. She shares the serendipitous nature of landing the role in Les Misérables, recounting how a few bars of a song during a plane ride convinced her of its potential success (29:05-29:38). Reflecting on her decision to join the London production, she feels a deep connection to the cast and environment, describing it as "magical" (31:14-33:03).

However, Patti expresses critical views on the current state of Broadway, noting a decline in production quality due to high costs and compromises (33:12-33:50). This perspective underscores her commitment to artistic integrity and her preference for environments that prioritize the craft over commercial considerations.

Current Ventures: Marvel's Agatha: Coven of Chaos and The Roommate

Transitioning to her latest projects, Patti discusses her role as a "professional spellcaster" in the Marvel miniseries Agatha: Coven of Chaos. She humorously describes the unexpected nature of this opportunity, likening the experience to attending a major event like a Taylor Swift concert (47:05-53:14). Patti appreciates the dynamic with co-stars like Aubrey Plaza, highlighting her supportive nature and adaptability as Mia Farrow entered the production (48:52-49:27).

In addition to her television work, Patti is back on Broadway with The Roommate, a two-woman show alongside Mia Farrow. She portrays two women transitioning from being considered "obsolete or redundant," finding solace and self-discovery through their relationship (41:14-43:57). The intimate nature of the production allows Patti to explore nuanced character interactions, emphasizing her versatility as a performer.

Personal Insights: Discipline, Superstitions, and Haunted Theaters

Patti elaborates on the disciplined routine required of a stage actor, contrasting it with the unpredictability of film work. Her structured days—comprising specific times for meals, workouts, and rehearsals—ensure consistency and focus (34:39-36:07). Patti also shares her adherence to theatrical superstitions, recounting an incident where she enacts a ritual to ward off bad luck during rehearsals (36:07-38:53). This blend of discipline and superstition reflects her deep-rooted connection to the theatrical tradition.

Moreover, Patti candidly discusses the challenges of maintaining performance quality over extended runs, admitting to moments of boredom that lead to a refined focus on delivering the script's essence (39:31-41:14). This introspection underscores her dedication to the authenticity of her performances.

Vocal Prowess and Belting

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Patti's renowned vocal abilities, particularly her signature belting technique. She attributes her powerful voice to natural talents and unintentional practice, despite limited formal training in vocal mechanics (44:25-46:52). Patti shares experiences of vocal strain, including a vocal cord operation that necessitated rehabilitation and the development of proper technique (44:34-46:52). Her candid admission of not fully understanding the physiological aspects of singing juxtaposes her formidable stage presence and vocal control.

Patti also reflects on the physical demands of her roles, recounting the exhaustive nature of performances like Rose's turn, which require sustaining high energy and emotion over multiple shows (46:52-50:19). Her ability to navigate these challenges highlights her resilience and mastery of her craft.

Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Patti LuPone encapsulates her identity in three words: "Funny. Curious. A tourist." (54:44). This succinct summary reflects her multifaceted personality and her enduring quest for exploration and understanding within the creative realms she inhabits.

Dan Rubinstein wraps up the episode by thanking Patti and the supporting team, encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast through subscriptions and social media platforms.

Notable Quotes

• Patti LuPone [00:00]: "The more I act, the more I understand... You have to trust the playwright."

• Patti LuPone [06:16]: "I have a rebellious nature. I have a curious nature... It's in my DNA that I'm incredibly curious."

• Patti LuPone [23:38]: "The two greatest teachers I've had in my career are David Mamet and Stephen Sondheim."

• Patti LuPone [24:52]: "It's [belting] a very valuable lesson for an actor. You have to trust the playwright."

• Patti LuPone [33:12]: "I find Broadway disturbing now... I question the quality."

• Patti LuPone [36:16]: "Don't ever check anybody in... Make sure people sign in because somebody might be missing."

• Patti LuPone [44:25]: "I was born to the boards. I was born to do what I do."

• Patti LuPone [54:44]: "Funny. Curious. A tourist."

Conclusion

Patti LuPone's episode on The Grand Tourist offers a deep dive into the life of a legendary performer whose passion for the craft transcends the stages of Broadway and beyond. From her formative years in Long Island to her collaborations with theatrical titans, Patti's story is one of relentless dedication, artistic integrity, and an enduring love for the performing arts. Her candid reflections and memorable anecdotes provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the person behind the powerful performances.