David Pittsinger: Broadway's Best Dressed, FORUM Magazine | Spring 09

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.

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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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