Signature Theatre's 3rd annual Stephen Sondheim Award goes to Patti LuPone
The Signature Theatre, known for revelatory productions of Stephen Sondheim works, established an annual award in his name two years ago. The first recipients were Angela Lansbery and Bernadette Peters. The third is equally deserving: Patti LuPone.
She will receive the honor at a gala in April at the Embassy of Italy in Washington.
"With her wonderful performances in 'Gypsy,' 'Sweeney Todd,' 'Company,' 'Passion,' and more," said Signature Theatre artistic director Eric Schaeffer in a statement released Wednesday, "she has had an amazing connection to Steve's words and music."
Sondheim added his own praise:
"There are few performers who can play both Mrs. Lovett and Fosca, Evita and Reno Sweeney, Nancy in 'Oliver!' and Cora Hoover Hooper in 'Anyone Can Whistle,' and still create roles for David Mamet. In fact, there’s only one.
"Versatility of such a high caliber is rare indeed, and therefore it couldn't be more appropriate that the recipient of this year's Signature Theatre Sondheim Award is going to the best tuba player on Broadway: Patti LuPone."
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