Patti LuPone Opens Up About Audra McDonald: ‘Not a Friend’ Anymore – Awkward Silence on ‘Gypsy’ Revival Revealed!

Patti LuPone is known for her straightforward approach, and her recent interview with The New Yorker has caught the attention of Broadway fans. In it, she revealed that she is no longer friends with fellow theater star Audra McDonald. When asked about McDonald, LuPone simply stated, "She’s not a friend."

The rift between the two goes back a few years, but LuPone did not dive into the specifics. This revelation surfaced after discussing an incident involving noise complaints during her Broadway play The Roommate, where loud sounds from the adjacent musical Hell’s Kitchen disrupted performances. To address the issue, LuPone filed a complaint and even sent flowers to the Hell’s Kitchen cast when the noise was resolved. However, some members of that cast criticized her actions.

Kecia Lewis, who won a Tony for her role in Hell’s Kitchen, described LuPone’s behavior as "bullying" and "racially microaggressive." She even accused LuPone of being "rooted in privilege" when LuPone referred to the Black-led musical as loud. Notably, McDonald showed support by liking Lewis’s video.

LuPone responded to the situation with a blunt remark: “You should know better. That’s typical of Audra. She’s not a friend.”

When the topic shifted to McDonald’s recent role as Rose in Gypsy, LuPone remained silent for fifteen seconds before changing the subject.

Historically, LuPone and McDonald have collaborated on several projects, including the Los Angeles Opera’s 2007 production of Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny and a version of Sweeney Todd in 2000. Their previous partnerships were marked by mutual respect and admiration, making the current fallout particularly shocking to fans.

In recent years, discussions about inclusivity and privilege in the arts have intensified, reflecting broader societal conversations. A survey conducted by the American Theatre Wing found that 70% of theater professionals believe the industry needs to address systemic racism more aggressively.

This incident between LuPone and McDonald continues to resonate on social media platforms, sparking conversations about accountability and camaraderie in the theater community. It shows how the personal dynamics of artists can mirror the ongoing struggles for equity and representation in the arts.

For more on these evolving discussions in the theater world, you can check out recent reports from the American Theatre Wing.

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Audra Mcdonald,Patti Lupone