Two singing sensations named Patti are coming to Denver in the fall to headline anniversary celebrations for two worthy causes. And don’t discount them because they’re women of a certain age.
Patti LaBelle, whose 63rd birthday party rated gossip-column mentions in the New York papers last month, is to perform at the 16th annual Bridge Project Gala on Oct. 6. And Patti LuPone, described as “astonishing” in her portrayal of Rose in a revival of “Gypsy” that opened off-Broadway last week, will do her “Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda” revue of showtunes for Opera Colorado’s 25th anniversary extravaganza on Nov. 3.
Of LaBelle’s appearance at the annual Jazz Fest concert in June, the New York Post’s Page Six observed: “Whoever decided that singers at Carnegie Hall needed amplification forgot to tell Patti LaBelle. Midway through, she discarded the microphone, blasted ‘Two Steps Away’ into the fourth balcony and won a standing ovation.”
In his review of “Gypsy,” New York Post theater critic Frank Scheck said LuPone, 58, delivered a “tour de force rendition of ‘Rose’s Tune”‘ and when she finished, the audience gave her a spontaneous standing ovation. Scheck went on to say that LuPone was “a powerhouse in the role, singing the hell out of the classic Styne/Sondheim score and giving a portrayal that easily ranks as one of the best Roses ever.”
Marty and Marie Herzog are chairing the Bridge Project Gala, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center. The Bridge Project is a University of Denver-sponsored mentoring program that serves youngsters living in public housing.Kalleen Malone and Marcia Robinson lead the plans for Opera Colorado’s fete.
More good stuff
Friends of the Hospice of St. John will travel to Central City on Saturday for the opening of Gian Carlo Menotti’s seldom-performed opera, “The Saint of Bleecker Street.” Chairman Randy Wren notes that the $150 admission also includes chartered bus transportation and a light supper from Kevin Taylor’s Rouge at the Teller House. Call 303-232-7900 … .
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com. She also contributes at.
