Michael Schulman, a renowned critic and author known for his engaging profiles in show business, joins the conversation about the cultural significance of 'divas.' They explore iconic figures like Patti LuPone, discussing the duality of talent and tumultuous behavior. Schulman emphasizes the ongoing fascination with these larger-than-life personas and how they navigate accountability in today's world. From Maria Callas to modern icons like Beyoncé, the dialogue examines how societal norms shape our definitions of divahood, intertwining admiration with scrutiny.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Patti LuPone's Hockey Night Antics
Patti LuPone took Michael Schulman to a New York Rangers hockey game and loudly heckled the players in VIP seats.
This moment helped Michael understand the fun and appeal of team sports through a diva's spirited behavior.
insights INSIGHT
Patti LuPone: Talent Meets Temper
Patti LuPone is one of the greatest living Broadway performers, famous for powerful roles and a commanding voice.
Her stage presence combines immense talent with a blunt, demanding diva persona that shapes her legend.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Hell's Kitchen Noise Dispute Sparks Feud
Patti complained about sound bleed from Hell's Kitchen into her play's theater, which led to a public controversy.
She expressed frustration toward fellow actresses Keisha Lewis and Audra McDonald, sparking backlash and public dispute.
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Michael Schulman's 'Her Again' examines the life and career of Meryl Streep, one of the most acclaimed actresses of our time. The book chronicles her early life, education at Yale School of Drama, and her breakthrough roles on stage and screen. It explores her meticulous approach to acting, her versatility in portraying diverse characters, and her ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. The book also delves into Streep's personal life, her relationships, and her advocacy for women in the film industry. Through interviews and meticulous research, Schulman provides a comprehensive portrait of a remarkable artist.
Oscar Wars
A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears
Michael Schulman
The word “diva” comes from the world of opera, where divinely talented singers have enraptured audiences for centuries. But preternatural gifts often go hand in hand with bad behavior—as in the case of Patti LuPone, the blunt Broadway dame whose remarks about fellow-actresses in a recent New Yorker Profile quickly became a source of scandal. On this episode of Critics at Large, Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and guest host Michael Schulman examine the figure of the diva, from Miss Piggy to Maria Callas, and consider whether our culture still rewards such personalities. “I don’t think we’ll ever stop being drawn to larger-than-life characters with messy, larger-than-life personal lives,” Schulman says. “There is a line that people can cross—but it’s constantly shifting.”
Critics at Large | The New Yorker 
