Patti LuPone to Play Diana Vreeland in 'Full Gallop'

Triple-Tony Award winner Patti LuPone is set to return to the New York stage in the one-woman Off-Broadway play titled 'Full Gallop,' where she will embody the legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland. The production is scheduled for a strictly limited 12-week engagement at NY City Center Stage II, with performances commencing on Friday, October 13, 2023. The play, written by Mary Louise Wilson and Mark Hampton, offers a glimpse into the life and world of Vreeland during a pivotal period in her career. Gordon Greenberg, known for his directorial work on 'Rope' and Broadway's 'The Heart of Rock and Roll,' will direct 'Full Gallop.'

'Full Gallop' is based on Vreeland's life and career, focusing on a specific moment when she was dismissed from her role as editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine in 1971. Despite her departure from the prestigious publication, Vreeland continued to influence the fashion industry, later becoming a special consultant to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. The play delves into her eccentric personality, her distinctive style, and her enduring impact on fashion and culture. Vreeland, who served as editor-in-chief of Vogue from 1963 to 1971, was renowned for her bold pronouncements and her ability to anticipate and shape fashion trends. Her career spanned several decades, and she remained a formidable figure in the fashion world until her death in 1989.

Patti LuPone, a celebrated actress with a career spanning over five decades, brings a wealth of experience and acclaim to the role. Her extensive theater credits include originating the role of Eva Perón in Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Evita' on Broadway, for which she won her first Tony Award. She also received Tony Awards for her performances in 'Anything Goes' and 'Gypsy.' Her return to the Off-Broadway stage in 'Full Gallop' marks a significant event for theater enthusiasts, offering a chance to see the acclaimed performer inhabit the persona of another iconic figure.

The setting for 'Full Gallop' is Vreeland's famously eccentric Park Avenue apartment, where the play unfolds over the course of a single day. This intimate setting allows for a deep exploration of Vreeland's character, her memories, and her reflections on her extraordinary life. The play aims to capture the essence of Vreeland's unique voice and perspective, showcasing her wit, her passion for fashion, and her unwavering commitment to her vision. The limited run of 12 weeks underscores the special nature of this theatrical event, encouraging audiences to secure tickets promptly for this anticipated production.