Lyric Theatre, London – 7 to 19 November 2023
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
5*****
Broadway legend Mandy Patinkin’s short residency at the Lyric is a rare treat. The opportunity to see such a master of his craft live is not to be missed, and you’ll be wishing that 90 minutes could last forever.
Accompanied by Adam Ben-David on piano – their timing and understanding of each other is a delight – Patinkin takes the audience on an eclectic journey full of passion and wit. With an adept nonchalance that could fool the audience into thinking he is freewheeling through the show, Patinkin performs themed medleys including songs by Rogers and Hammerstein, Sondheim, Randy Newman, Lyle Lovett and even a stunning solo version of Bohemian Rhapsody. Patinkin’s smooth and powerful voice is still stunning, and he adds emotional heft to every song, even when clowning around performing Lovett’s If I Had A Boat.
Patinkin scatters anecdotes between songs – and whether talking about his family, his Jewish heritage or his Broadway career, he is equally fascinating and funny. There are no bells and whistles onstage, just some perfectly judged lighting changes as Patinkin’s magnetism makes it hard to tear your eyes of this expert performer. His version of Being Alive was incredible – Ben-David’s arrangements showcasing Patinkin’s voice perfectly. A few numbers had many around me tearing up – especially the emotive rendition of My Mom/Children Will Listen – and his switch from English to Yiddish in Somewhere Over The Rainbow after reminding the audience of Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg’s families flight from the pogroms was an emotional blow that made an unforgettable moment.
An unmissable masterclass of musical theatre – Mandy Patinkin in Concert is simply sublime.
Performance dates:
Tuesday 7 November, 8pm Thursday 9 November, 8pm Saturday 11 November, 3pm Sunday 12 November, 3pm Tuesday 14 November, 8pm Thursday 16 November, 8pm Saturday 18 November, 3pm Sunday 19 November, 3pm