Broadway icon Patti LuPone isn't shying away from airing grievances with fellow performers, reigniting long-simmering tensions in a revealing interview. The three-time Tony winner confirmed her strained relationship with Audra McDonald, a six-time Tony recipient, while addressing recent controversies involving race, noise complaints, and Broadway etiquette.
LuPone disclosed to The New Yorker that she and McDonald have not been friends for years, though she declined specifics. When questioned about McDonald's public support of a co-star who accused LuPone of racial microaggressions, the Evita star replied curtly, "That's typical of Audra." The pair previously collaborated on Sweeney Todd (2000) and Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (2007), but tensions flared as McDonald now stars in Gypsy as Rose—a role LuPone famously originated on Broadway in 2008. Asked her thoughts on McDonald's performance, LuPone responded with 15 seconds of silence before abruptly switching topics.
The interview also revisited LuPone's clash with Hell's Kitchen actor Kecia Lewis, who accused the veteran performer of "racially microaggressive" behavior after LuPone criticized the musical's sound levels during her 2023 run in The Roommate. Lewis argued that labeling a predominantly Black production as "loud" perpetuates harmful stereotypes, adding that LuPone's remarks "lack community leadership" from someone of her stature.
LuPone fired back, dismissing noise disputes as common Broadway issues and challenging Lewis' credibility. "She calls herself a veteran? Let's see how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done," LuPone retorted, referencing her own 28 Broadway credits compared to Lewis' 10.
The drama underscores LuPone's reputation as Broadway's most outspoken critic. She recently declared she's "done" with the industry, citing frustrations with colleagues and production challenges. However, her fiery persona continues to captivate fans—and fuel headlines—as debates over artistic boundaries, professionalism, and inclusivity dominate theater discourse.
Whether LuPone's candor reflects industry growing pains or a clash of generations remains unclear. But one thing is certain: Broadway's brightest stars aren't keeping their drama confined to the stage.