Patti LuPone dazzles in ‘Far Away Places’

Once in a generation, if we are lucky, an extraordinary talent like no other arises—one who can ceaselessly, effortlessly caress the loftiest heights of comedy and drama onstage (and sometimes onscreen), while, simultaneously, imbuing musical theatre roles with the same skill set, plus a powerhouse, quintessentially unique and resplendent vocal instrument; and, of course, that indescribable ‘It’ factor, too—such is the tale of Broadway’s grand dame, Patti LuPone.
– Broadway World

When Broadway luminary Patti LuPone takes the stage for her return engagements with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra this weekend, she’ll perform songs from her critically acclaimed album “Far Away Places” with full orchestra for the very first time.

Both the album and live cabaret show of “Far Away Places” have garnered rave reviews from critics nationwide.

Houston Press writes: “The Far Away Places concerts took audiences by storm, and this recording clearly illustrates why. Luckily for LuPone fanatics, she will be debuting a fully orchestrated version of the show on June 1, 2013 with The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra at The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark [and] June 2 at the State Theatre in New Brunswick.”

After viewing the cabaret show last summer, Stephen Holden of The New York Times wrote that the “brilliant show … deserves many lives,” imagining an expanded edition. “Nowadays Ms. LuPone generates more raw excitement than any other performer on the Broadway and cabaret axis, with the possible exception of Liza Minnelli. At 63, she embodies decades of show business history. [‘Far Away Places’] certifies Ms. LuPone’s place in the lineage of quirky international chanteuses like Lotte Lenya, Marlene Dietrich and Edith Piaf, who, like Ms. LuPone, conquered show business with forceful, outsize personalities while playing by their own musical rules.”

Writes SF Gate: “‘Far Away Places’ is a musical travelogue that turns into a master class with LuPone demonstrating how a distinct point of view can transform a song into a mini-musical.”

Check out LuPone’s in-depth interview with Broadway World about “the songs, the stories, the themes, the collaborators and her future plans” for “Far Away Places.”

Watch highlights from LuPone’s “Far Away Places” cabaret show, via Playbill:

Don’t miss your chance to see the debut orchestral performances of LuPone’s thrilling show!