London Calling with Champagne Charlie Dateline:16th January 'MANDY CHECKS IN!'

London Calling with Champagne Charlie - Dateline: 16^th January 2009.

Hi, I'm on my way to meet up with Tom Hulce - actor and Broadway producer. Seven years ago he came back from a trip in the UK with the same idea as composer friend Duncan Sheik; to bring to life the Frank Wedekind classic 'Spring Awakening'

Years of work and collaborations with the right like minded creatives have brought this unique show to life. With a string of Tony awards to prove its success and endorse its popularity the show comes to London opening on January 23^rd at the small but progressive Lyric Theatre.

I am waiting for Tom to call on his way back from rehearsals where casting is underway when Mandy Patinkin comes on the text, unable to speak but happy to answer questions.

His performances have turned into real phenomena here with sold out shows and a legion of now growing fans eager to see him return.

Before I speak with Tom, I am keen to find out from Mandy, how this trip to London has gone. He is characteristically blunt and funny in an affectionate warm kind of way.

Champagne Charlie: Welcome back to the UK! How are audiences here different in the UK than your fans in the US?

Mandy P:
COMPARISON LEADS TO VIOLENCE.

Champagne Charlie: What will the UK show consist of in terms of songs - are there any additions or adaptations?

Mandy P:
THERE ARE A SEVERAL NEW PIECES LOTS OF SONDHEIM AND A WHOLE SMORSGASBOARD OF OTHERS, FROM BERLIN TO Paul Simon, Harry Chapin, AND MANY MANY OTHERS.

Champagne Charlie: What was the funniest on stage moment you had while performing (it may not have been funny at the time but people love to know about how you rescued things when they may have for a moment not gone exactly to plan)?

Mandy P:
RECENTLY AT THE PUBLIC THEATER IN NY CELEBRATING MY 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF MY CONCERTS, I WENT COMPLETELY BLANK WHILE TRYING TO SING LOSING MY MIND. OF ALL SONGS, AND THE ENTIRE AUDIENCE SERENADED ME, THEY KNEW EVERY WORD

Champagne Charlie: How do you prepare yourself before shows?

Mandy P:
I TRY TO GET A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP. I GO TO THE GYM, DINNER 2 HOURS BEFORE THE CONCERT, VOCALIZE, 15-30 MIN SINGING SOUND CHECK.

Champagne Charlie: Why is the stage & singing such a continuing magnet for your talents - what's its appeal as a performer?

Mandy P:
I JUST FEEL THE MOST ALIVE WHEN I'M SINGING. I ALSO GET TO BE THE MAIL MAN FOR SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LYRICS EVER WRITTEN.

Champagne Charlie: Imagine if I was the 'casting fairy' and I could cast you in any part or show - running currently or not...what show would you most like to be part of and why?

Mandy P:
WHATEVER THE NEXT PART IS. I HAVE NO IDEA WHATS COMING NEXT OR WHERE IT WILL COME FROM; I ENJOY THE SURPRISE OF IT ALL.

Champagne Charlie: What are your resolutions for 2009?

Mandy P:
INCREASE MY OPTIMISM, AND TRY TO ELIMINATE AS MUCH NEGATIVE THINKING AS I CAN.

Champagne Charlie: How do thing Broadway will change - if at all to changing outside conditions?

Mandy P:
DUE TO THE STRUGGLING ECONOMY, I HOPE THINGS WILL BECOME SIMPLER.

Champagne Charlie: What are the TWO main things or pieces of advice that have helped you keep positive as you have climbed that ladder to success?

Mandy P:
MY WIFES ADVICE; "TO LISTEN TO THE WORDS AND SEE WHERE THEY TAKE YOU" ALSO EE CUMMINGS WORDS: "TO BE NOBODY BUT YOURSELF IN A WORLD WHICH IS DOING ITS BEST NIGHT AND DAY TO MAKE YOU EVERYBODY ELSE, MEANS TO FIGHT THE HARDEST BATTLE , WHICH ANY HUMAN BEING CAN FIGHT AND NEVER STOP FIGHTING"

Champagne Charlie: When was the moment when you felt you had really MADE IT or is that yet to come?

Mandy P:
I HAVE NEVER HAD THAT FEELING

Champagne Charlie: Many films such as Sister Act are being transferred to stage......would you like to see a reverse or do you think that doesn't work as well?

Mandy P:
PASS

Champagne Charlie: What song have you not yet covered but recently heard that feels like a number you might want to perform in a later show and why?

Mandy P:
THAT'S A SECRET. I AM ALWAYS WORKING ON NEW MATERIAL AND I LIKE TO KEEP THEM IN MY BACK POCKET FOR A RAINY DAY.

Champagne Charlie: What is your favourite Sondheim song and why?

Mandy P:
THEY ARE ALL MY FAVORITES, I AM PARTICULARLY FOND OF ANYONE CAN WHISTLE

Champagne Charlie: Do you have any personal anecdotes about Sondheim himself?

Mandy P:
TOO MANY TO LIST

Champagne Charlie: If you were able to duet with any other singer - who would it be, what would you perform?

Mandy P:
I'D LOVE TO HAVE SUNG WITH Louis Armstrong

Champagne Charlie: At this stage in your career what as yet untried areas or pieces of work would you like to take on?

Mandy P:
ALL OF SHAKESPEARE, IBSEN, CHEKOV, MILLER, ALBEE, WILLIAMS, STOPPARD, HARE, AND KUSHNER......THAT I HAVE YET TO DO!

With that he signed off and I got word that Tom was deep in rehearsals but when he emerged he would call personally to speak to everyone at BroadwayWorld. He still has not called but as soon as he does...the story will come straight to you all.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

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