I don't think so. Evita made her a Broadway superstar. Not to mention, she had already done 11 Broadway shows before Evita. Les Miserables and Anything Goes pretty much sealed the deal.
I do wonder what Ms. LuPone's career would look like had there not been an L.A. production of Sunset Boulevard with Glenn Close. I imagine she would have opened on Broadway to decent reviews. I don't believe she was wrong for the role. Maybe a bit too young, but wouldn't that be a great dichotomy for the show? We all know she could (and still can) sing and act the hell out of the role.
If anything, Patti LuPone has been incredibly busy since Sunset Boulevard. She's done 11 (Company will be 12) Broadway shows, numerous concerts, Ravinia and Encores! shows, tv shows and movies. She's the busiest Broadway superstar of the last 25 years. No one even comes close. I would say that has a little to do with Sunset (it obviously changed her attitude and mindset) and EVERYTHING to do with Patti LuPone as a vibrant, talented, intelligent and persevering working actress.
Take care,
Jason |
