In a generous two-hour, two-act concert at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, Patti Lupone – celebrating the launch of her new CD from Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records — The Lady With The Torch – plumbed the depths of the torch song repertoire in her singular style and trumpeting voice that consistently amazes with its power and range. The Tony Award® and Olivier Award-winner’s program ran the gamut from songs about lost love and the plight of “The Other Woman”, to the joys of Paris.

The sold-out show, conceived and directed by Scott Wittman with musical direction by Chris Fenwick, was presented in memory of Mrs. Lupone’s long-time collaborator, musical director and beloved friend, Dick Gallagher, who died of AIDS complications at age 50 in January 2005.

The evening, highlighted by a 10-piece orchestra with arrangements by Jonathan Tunick, featured many songs off the TorchCD including, “The Man I Love”, “I Wanna Be Around”, “Body And Soul”, “Do It Again” and “So In Love”, as well as selections recorded elsewhere such as “I Regret Everything” and, perhaps most delightfully, “Who’s Sorry Now”, introduced by Ms. Lupone as “… the Sicilian National Anthem”. The emotional heart of the evening was a simple, understated rendition of “My Buddy”, quietly dedicated by the star to Mr. Gallagher.

Among the 1,100 in attendance at the Vivian Beaumont was Ms. Lupone’s Sweeney Todd co-stars, led by Michael Cerveris and director John Doyle, Angie Schworer (The Producers), Edward Hibbert (The Drowsy Chaperone) as well as Annie Golden, Kristen Johnson, Joyce Randolph, director Jack O’Brien, Lincoln Center’s Bernard Gersten and Phoebe Snow. A catered reception was held immediately following the performance in the theater lobby where the star graciously met with her many fans and friends.

Over $160,000 was raised for BC/EFA.

 

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