February 14–21, 2002

arts picks|theater

Inigo Montoya Live!

In today’s theater, even our stars are becoming smaller-scale, more cautious in their style. But there’s no danger of that with Mandy Patinkin, whose singing and presence are unapologetically larger than life. In 1985’s famous Follies in Concert, where he was selected by Stephen Sondheim to recreate the role of Buddy, Mandy sometimes seemed too big for the room — and that room was Avery Fisher Hall, home of the New York Philharmonic.

From his breakthrough performance as Che in Evita, Patinkin established a pattern for bold choices. He also displayed a superb voice — an opera-worthy tenor with plangent low notes as well as a sweet falsetto that would become a trademark. And Patinkin’s way with a song is no less distinctive. He caresses. He roars. He chirps. He can sound like Barry White and Glinda the Good Witch rolled into one.

It’s a take-no-prisoners style that, to be fair, doesn’t please everybody. But Patinkin’s fans are legion and loyal.

One of them, presumably, is Sondheim himself. Their collaboration is long-standing, and includes not only that memorable Follies, but also Sunday in the Park with George, where Patinkin was unforgettable in the title role. He also made a cameo appearance in Dick Tracy, offering much-needed assistance to poor, over-parted Madonna and singing Sondheim’s "What Can You Lose?"

It’s a concert of Sondheim songs that brings Patinkin to the Prince. Expect that Mandy will reveal his taste for interesting repertoire — and of course, his characteristic bravura — throughout the evening. A word to the wise: Book your tickets early. Mandy is here for 10 shows only, and he’s trying out a program that will be repeated this summer at the much-anticipated Sondheim festival in Washington, D. C.

—David Anthony Fox

Mandy Patinkin in Concert, through Feb. 24, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700.