It’s no secret: this guy can sing

Mandy Patinkin sings Broadway classics and popular songs at the Ford on June 9.

Oh sure, millions know Mandy Patinkin as Saul Berenson, the charismatic and intense CIA chief on Showtime’s critically acclaimed  “Homeland,” with its legions of obsessive fans. Multitudes have howled at Bill Hader’s brilliant impersonation of Patinkin’s character on Saturday Night Live, and some have even liked the Facebook page “One Million Fans of Mandy Pantinkin’s Beard.” Zach Braff was no doubt speaking for many when he praised two of Patinkin’s most famous roles when he recently added him to the cast of his new Kickstarter-financed movie:

“When I was a child, my favorite movie was ‘The Princess Bride.’ Now that I am an adult, my favorite TV show is ‘Homeland.’ They have one thing in common: one of my favorite actors of all time is joining us to play my father: Mandy Patinkin.”

But this is not just some pop culture flavor of the month—this is Mandy Patinkin we’re talking about. And in between the childhood delights of “Princess Bride” (with the enduring catch phrase “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”) and the grownup pleasures of “Homeland” lies Patinkin’s vast and distinguished career as a star of the Broadway musical stage.

It will be this Mandy Patinkin—winner of a Tony for his role as Che Guevara in “Evita,” nominated for his star turn in “Sunday In The Park With George”—who takes the stage of the county’s Ford Amphitheatre on Sunday, June 9, at 8 p.m. to perform an array of Broadway classics and popular songs with the Pasadena Pops.

Patinkin’s performance inaugurates the Zev Yaroslavsky Signature Series, in which nationally renowned artists play the Ford as a complement to the amphitheatre’s traditional programming showcasing homegrown L.A. talent. A second Signature Series performance on August 10 will feature the New York-based Complexions Contemporary Ballet troupe, appearing with Los Angeles’ own Lula Washington Dance Theatre. Proceeds from both concerts will benefit the Ford Theatre Foundation.

Even though Patinkin’s repertoire stretches from Shakespeare to Sondheim to Showtime, this performance marks his first appearance at the Ford. Tickets for this slice of showbiz history start at $50; click here to order. After all, Season 3 of Homeland doesn’t start until September 29.

Patinkin plays opposite Claire Danes in "Homeland." Showtime photo/Ronen Akerman

Posted 5/29/13