What's all this Mandy Pantinkin bashing?
I suppose for some he's an acquired taste, but I think he
has to be seen live and in person to get the full effect. I
saw him on Broadway in Sunday in the Park with George, and
on TV in a few of the Sondheim evening things. I'll tell
you, he's a one-of-a-kind performer. I like good singing,
but with him, I have no interest in vocal technique or the
beauty of his sound. He has such incredible commitment and
intensity - that anyone on this list who had what he has,
would be a big star for sure. I can remember that great
number in Sunday where Seurat is painting the dog and
singing about what he imagines the dog is thinking, and
Mandy *becomes* the dog. Absolutely amazing to see his
transformation, physically AND vocally. I've seen others do
this number, and do it well, but not even close to what
Mandy gave it. I was afraid for his vocal instrument, but
grateful he was risking all to give the audience the
experience.
You can't teach that. I think he has what performers like
Maria Callas had - TOTAL commitement, which draws the
audience in, despite itself. Audiences either love 'em or
hate 'em, but are NEVER neutral about those sorts of
performers.
Peggy
--
Margaret Harrison, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
"Music for a While Shall All Your Cares Beguile"
mailto:peggyh@i...
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