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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