Theater by Cally Jamis Vennare
You can tell that David Pittsinger loves what he does. No matter that we are
in a windowless rehearsal room, three floors underground in Lincoln Center’s
Metropolitan Opera House. The laughter and camaraderie are pure and infectious as singers, directors and musicians work together, refining their craft for
three solid hours. It is far, far away from the grandeur of the Met’s opulent
stage. But it makes no difference to Pittsinger. There is a look of pure bliss on
his face as he moves his 6’4” frame across the rehearsal room floor. He is the
epitome of style and grace.
And then he begins to sing.
It is that deep, rich bass-baritone voice—one that warms the soul with its velvety tone and texture—that enchanted the producers of the first Broadway revival
of South Pacific. They searched the world for the next Emile de Becque, waiting for
a voice that would resonate with audiences like the legendary Ezio Pinza in 1949
and the Tony Award-winning Paulo Szot in 2008. They found it in Pittsinger, one of
the most sought-after international artists of his generation.
And so in December of 2008, the American bass-baritone stepped onto the
Vivian Beaumont stage at Lincoln Center Theater for his Broadway debut as Emile
de Becque. In that one moment, his musical legacy changed forever.
Emile de Becque is a “made-to-measure” role for Pittsinger. He embodies
James Michener’s original bon vivant character in his age, his love for life and his
devotion to family. Bartlett Sher, South Pacific’s acclaimed director, recognized the
similarities immediately. “Bart told me, ‘You are Emile de Becque; be Emile de
Becque.’ So the important thing is that I allow myself to be reflected in this character’s music, in my love for this music and in my general love for this life and what it’s
given me,” said Pittsinger. “I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity. And this
gratitude, I hope, will allow me to be at the most generous point in my life as an
artist.”
The role revealed itself at a perfect time in Pittsinger’s career. “When your technique, your musicianship and your knowledge of culture converge to create that
Renaissance existence—which is what I strive for and thrive on in my life —you pray
that the opportunities come to you. This is the right moment for me to portray Emile.
I’ll offer everything I have because this is part of a musical legacy that is extremely
important to me…one that my children, wife and extended family will always
remember.”
It comes as no surprise that Pittsinger’s commitment to artistry and excellence
dramatically impacts his stage presence and personal style. His height and stature
provide unprecedented opportunities for costume designers—masters of fashion
in the arts—who, with one costume, can transform an artist’s on-stage persona.
South Pacific’s newest
star, David Pittsinger,
lights up Broadway
with style and grace
in a suit by Armani
Collezioni and shirt by
Robert Graham.
1
F O R U M
THE SUBSTANCE OF STYLE
PHOTOGRAPHY: JOANNA TOTOLICI
BROADWAY’S
BEST-DRESSED
“This is the right
moment for me to
play Emile. I’ll offer
everything I have
because this is part
of a musical legacy
that is extremely
important.”
Pittsinger is in awe of their talent and they, in turn, love his appreciation for fine quality and craftsmanship.
Pittsinger is considered by friends to be almost James Bond-like in his appreciation of fine fashion. Stylish. Elegant. Sophisticated—with a dash of playfulness.
The Connecticut native admits that his father was a “sharp dandy” and that his
grandfather, mother and sisters influenced his fashion sensibility.
In his dressing room prior to our fashion shoot, he unveils his preferred designers. Armani and Zegna for classic couture styling and color in suits and shirts, as
well as Loro Piana and Joseph Abboud for lush cashmere sport wear and outerwear. There are gorgeous Robert Talbott and John Varvatos suede and black velvet jackets alongside intricately-designed hand-stitched shirts by Robert Graham.
But his encore is yet to come. Once again, vibrant color and patterns play a
star role. Silky Zegna ties, bold Etro pocket squares and vivid Paul Smith scarves
add elegance and flair to Pittsinger’s wardrobe.
“Fashion does not stop at the ankle,” he says with a smile. Allen Edmonds’
Park Avenue black cap toe shoes are a favorite, as well as styles by John Lobb,
Todd Welsh and Cole Hahn.
Watches, however, are Pittsinger’s signature accessory; he is never without a
fine timepiece. At the moment, a beautifully-styled Rolex Cellini Danaos adorns his
wrist. “When I look at it, I think, ‘this is a watch Sinatra would have worn.’ He had
such style.”
It is said that clothes make the man but, for David Pittsinger, the opposite is
true. Sinatra would have been proud.
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F O R U M
THE SUBSTANCE OF STYLE