Chatty Patti: LuPone's back on B'way

There's an old black-and-white photograph. From 1950-something. Eight girls from Miss Marguerite's after-school dance class at Ocean Avenue Elementary School in Northport. They wear berets, tap shoes. And there's petite Patti LuPone. She's perched on one knee, and -- she's gotta love this staging -- front row, center, with two gals on either side gesturing to her. Even then, it seems her smile is a wee bit broader, her head held a tad higher -- chin out, proud, almost defiant.

Yeah, that's LuPone, all right.

Several decades, two Tony Awards, dozens more nominations and other awards, one hit TV series, a bestselling autobiography, plus umpteen headlines, rumors and YouTube clips later, she's back on Broadway, with Mandy Patinkin. The two secured a place in theater history starring in "Evita" some 30 years ago, and now they're reuniting for "An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin," which opened last week at the Barrymore Theatre and runs through Jan. 13.

For fans who've enjoyed LuPone's ability to inhabit larger-than-life roles, from Eva Perón to the juggernaut Mama Rose in "Gypsy," this show is a chance to glimpse her offstage persona. LuPone, who is married and has one son, chatted with Newsday contributor Joseph V. Amodio.

Why do you think you and Mandy stayed friends all these years since "Evita"?

Both of us were young, scared, somewhat innocent, and thrown into a highly pressurized environment. I turned to him for support, for balance. I'm sure it's true in any workplace. Those friendships you make early on are made for life.

You seem well-matched.

I think so. We enjoy what we do -- and each other. And we don't overpower each other. There's a real dance going on.

I'm curious -- how do you still manage to sing "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" in the original key?

'Cause I finally figured out how to sing it correctly. [She laughs.] I'm actually singing it better now. I had a vocal cord operation -- and went to a singing teacher who taught me how to talk again. She taught me technique.

I hear you're a hockey fan -- and first saw the Ducks play at the old Commack Arena.

I saw Clyde Beatty's circus there, too. And the freak show, which was . . . bizarre. But with hockey, I really became a fan during the 1980 Winter Olympics. I saw the Americans beat the Russians on TV. And that night a friend took me to see the Rangers vs. the Islanders at the Garden. It was during "Evita," on a Sunday, and I was on vocal rest on Sundays. Couldn't speak. So I just banged on the boards . . . and, whoa, I was in love. Plus, those hockey players are cute. [She chuckles.] The ones with teeth.

Your son, Josh, is studying acting in college now. Have you given him any advice?

Only when he asks. I'm his mother before I'm an actress. So . . . there's that resentment of mom telling him what to do.

Was it hard writing your autobiography? Any memories make you think, "Oh, if I could just hit rewind . . . ?"

You mean . . . regrets?

Yeah.

I don't have tons. You think, "Gee, I wish that ended better." It's just a learning process. As David Mamet said, "Everything is as it should be -- the universe is unfolding." You have to believe that.

Yours is unfolding nicely. You and Matt [Johnston] will be married . . . is it 23 years this month? Impressive.

We make each other laugh. There's lots of laughter and love there. It's not easy. I'm not saying our relationship is without compromise -- that goes with the territory. But we've forged a life, and have a beautiful son.

You're lucky.

Totally. But I also worked for it. It wasn't handed to me.

You could rest more if you wanted to.

What else would I do? I'd go out of my mind. I don't have hobbies. This is my life. If I was ever rich enough, I'd travel the world. The earth is such a beautiful place, I'd wanna see every inch of it.

And eat exotic foods?

YES! Matt would eat peanut butter. Or a hamburger. He and Josh only eat certain foods.

That must drive you crazy.

Totally nuts. I can't . . . cook different things. Or go to unusual restaurants.

If not onstage, you're most comfortable . . . where?

The beach. Absolutely.

Think growing up on Long Island encouraged that?

Yes. It has to be. I lived in a very lush part of Long Island. I didn't see the water but I was at the water every summer. Also -- I had my astrological chart drawn up and I don't have a drop of water in it. That could be a reason why I yearn for the water. I am Earth, Wind and Fire. [She pauses, then erupts in laughter.] And don't that make sense!