Another respected Broadway legend will teach and perform this weekend and tickets for his two performances are in high demand.
Emmy Award-winning and Tony Award-winning actor Mandy Patinkin will perform 'Mandy Patinkin: Dress Casual.' The BYU community, especially music, dance, theatre and acting students, are excited to welcome and learn from one of Broadway's best.
'All the major Broadway stars we've had visit campus in the past few years have agreed to provide master classes for our Music Dance Theatre students. Brian Stokes Mitchell, Lea Salonga, Savion Glover and now Mandy Patinkin,' said Timothy Threlfall, a professor in the Theatre and Media Arts Department. 'Learning about the challenges and struggles all artists, even those with celebrity status face, is vital for our students.'
Many students and faculty members who participated in Patinkin's master class on Thursday were moved by his words. They learned not only how Patinkin succeeded in the acting profession, but how to improve personally.
'Mandy Patinkin is one of the top Broadway stars,' said Emily Bean, a sophomore from Provo majoring in music. 'He has a lot of depth and he is humble, down-to-earth, has a lot to share and is willing to take risks and let people know he is willing to be daring. I learned from Mandy Patinkin to be dangerous, to use my life experiences in performing and to trust and be kind to myself.'
The planning to get Patinkin started more than a year ago. Patinkin is the third Broadway performer to appear in the BYU Performing Arts Series.
'All of our performance initiatives serve to strengthen our student programs. Because of his skills as both an actor and singer, as well as his many professional accomplishments, Mr. Patinkin is a natural fit for our BYU series,' said Jeffrey Martin, producer for the College of Fine Arts and Communications. 'He has a long and rich history with originating new roles on Broadway ('Evita', 'Sunday in the Park with George', 'The Secret Garden') as well as TV and film. People have enjoyed his work for many years and people remember him for the many unique and memorable roles he has played.'
Patinkin will be performing in the de Jong Concert Hall Friday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 1 at 2 p.m.
'I think they are in for a spectacular treat,' Bean said. 'Mandy may be 60 years old, but he still has it and more. Everyone will learn something from him, at least one thing from his concert.'