Ithaca College

Broadway icon and author of the New York Times best-selling autobiography, Patti LuPone: A Memoir, Patti LuPone visited IC on Monday, December 10, for an exclusive Q&A at Hoerner Theatre.

Moderated by Joel Gelpe, accompanist and musical director in the theatre arts department, Ms. LuPone opened up about her experience in show business and took questions from an audience full of IC students and faculty.

“The ultimate goal of a long run is to find absolute stillness in the part,” exclaimed LuPone when discussing how she keeps a role fresh and consistent when doing six to twelve-month long runs. “We are essentially storytellers and it’s our responsibility to tell it from the beginning.”

LuPone concluded the talk by offering advice for theater students following graduation. "If you feel prepared to tackle the audition process and the grueling nature of it, do it," she encouraged, but if you're not 100% ready she suggested doing regional theater or joining a traveling production. Having a paycheck and a steady job will allow you to grow and get better in preparation for that breakout performance.

In addition to her many acclaimed Broadway performances, Ms. LuPone can also be seen in numerous films, including Spike Lee’s Summer of Sam and in numerous TV shows including 30 Rock, Glee, and Law& Order. Her voice can be heard in many cast recordings such as Sweeny Todd, Pal Joey, Sunset Boulevard and her own concerts.