Patti LuPone Made the World Go Round

Matters of the Heart

After the frigid temperatures and an awful lot of snow, January in Chicago has thankfully come to a bone-chilling end. But in a magnificent, mellifluous concert performance that warmed the soul, thousands of Windy City music and theatre aficionados were treated by a special performance by the Queen of Broadway. The one and only Diva Divine, Ms. Patti LuPone took to the stage for almost two hours of melodious magic. And for that brief couple of hours, Patti LuPone cranked up the temperature with her astounding, almost acrobatic vocals, and for this audience, Made the World go Round.

Ms. LuPone’s “Matters of the Heart” is the name of a delectable album of songs that she recorded several years ago. This concert marks the 25th anniversary of Patti LuPone’s celebration and  remembrance of love, in all it’s many forms. The presentation features some interesting new material, as well as many old favorites. The production was conceived and overseen by Scott Wittman, with Musical Direction and masterful piano accompaniment by Joseph Thalken. As a special treat, Ms. LuPone is also backed by the lush sounding Four Play String Quartet, consisting of Will Curry, Molly Goldman, Suzy Perelman and Jessica Wang. This captivating musical collage by the songstress and her accompaniment absolutely fills the Theatre, all the way up to the balcony.

For anyone unfamiliar with the artistry of Patti LuPone, she’s a veritable living legend. Winning acclaim for her many breakthrough roles, both on Broadway and in the West End, Patti is a three-time Tony Award-winner for EVITA, GYPSY and MASTER CLASS. Ms. LuPone is known for creating the role of Fantine in LES MISERABLES and for injecting new life into the iconic role of Joanne in the recent revival of COMPANY. She has also played leading roles in SWEENEY TODD,  SUNSET BOULEVARD, ANYTHING GOES and NOISES OFF.  On television, Patti LuPone appeared on “Glee,” “30 Rock,” “Penny Dreadful,” “American Horror Story,” “Frasier,” “Girls” and many other popular programs. Ms. LuPone’s most recent appearance on Broadway was opposite Mia Farrow in the comedy, THE ROOMMATE. Chicago audiences will also remember Patti LuPone for her many appearances at Ravinia, as well as her stellar performance at the Goodman Theatre in the musical, WAR PAINT.

Ms. LuPone’s newly revised 2026 version of MATTERS OF THE HEART opens with “Love Makes the World Go Round,” from the musical CARNIVAL. Among the other eclectic numbers from the first act, Patti treats the audience to “A Wonderful Guy,” from SOUTH PACIFIC; “Not a Day Goes By,” from MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG; “Being Alive,” from COMPANY; and “God Only Knows,” by the Beach Boys. 

After a fifteen minute intermission, Act II begins with  Patti LuPone dressed in a gorgeous, sparkling blue gown and brandishing a riding crop! Then she launches into the delightfully naughty Stephen Sondheim song, “I Never Do Anything Twice.” The shorter second act also contains a touching song about childhood, growing up, parenthood and aging, entitled “Look Mummy, No Hands.” We also heard Cyndi Lauper’s haunting “Time After Time;” “The Air That I Breathe,” by the Hollies; “Hello Young Lovers,” from THE KING AND I; and the melancholy New Years Eve ballad, “Same Old Lang Syne,” by Dan Fogelberg.   

But my absolute favorite number from this newly refreshed concert, MATTERS OF THE HEART, is from the Tony-nominated Flaherty and Ahrens musical, RAGTIME, now in a beautiful revival at Lincoln Center. Patti LuPone brought tears to my eyes with her breathtaking interpretation of this 11th hour song about a woman’s cry for independence, entitled “Back to Before.” For me, as well as for every audience member of the sold-out Auditorium, Patti LuPone truly made the world go round with love. 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented January 31 at 7:30 at Chicago’s Landmark, the Auditorium, 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.