Broadway feud. Broadway star Kecia Lewis has taken issue with the legendary Patti LuPone. Lewis, 59, posted a six-minute video on Instagram on Saturday, where she addressed LuPone, 75, about her alleged treatment of the production of “Hell’s Kitchen,” in which Lewis stars as Miss Liza Jane. The Tony Award winner clarified that her “open letter” to LuPone was “not from the cast or crew or producers of ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ and that she’s “speaking for Kecia Lewis only.” Lewis then detailed “a couple of situations that have occurred in the last few weeks” involving the “Agatha All Along” actress.
“The first one is that you contacted our theater owner about changing a couple of our sound cues because you found them to be too loud,” Lewis claimed. “You also, after our sound design was adjusted, sent flowers to our sound and stage management team thanking them.” “Hell’s Kitchen” is performed at the Shubert Theatre, which shares a back wall with LuPone and Mia Farrow’s show “The Roommate” at the Booth Theatre. The Post first reported on the production in April.
Lewis’ video included a clip of LuPone outside the theatre telling a fan she wouldn’t sign a “Hell’s Kitchen” playbill because the show is “too loud.” “These actions, in my opinion, are bullying,” said Lewis. “They’re offensive, they are racially microaggressive, they’re rude, they’re rooted in privilege. And these actions also lack a sense of community and leadership for someone as yourself, who has been in the business as long as you have.”
“I want to explain what a microaggression is,” Lewis continued. “These are subtle, unintentional comments or actions that convey stereotypes, biases or negative assumptions about someone based on their race. Microaggressions can seem harmless or minor, but can accumulate and cause significant stress or discomfort for the recipient. Examples include calling a Black show loud in a way that dismisses it.”
“While gestures like sending thank you flowers may appear courteous, it was dismissive and out of touch, especially following a formal complaint that you made that resulted in the changes that impacted our entire production, primarily the people who have to go out on stage and perform the work were impacted,” she added. The “Big River” star suggested “a couple of thoughtful questions” that LuPone and other Broadway veterans could consider. “How can I ensure that my feedback or my concerns are communicated in a way that is constructive and also, most importantly, respectful? How can I use my platform and experience to support diverse show teams promoting the idea that every production brings unique value to Broadway?” she said.
“On Broadway, we are not just neighbors, Ms. LuPone,” Lewis went on. “We are a community that shares in each other’s artistry and challenges. Respect and collaboration are what keep us thriving and inspire the next generation. It’s important that we support each other’s hard work on and off the stage, so let’s lift each other up and show that every show on this street called Broadway deserves respect and celebration. Let’s continue fostering an environment on Broadway that recognizes and values all shows for their unique contributions and energy, and that celebrates the diversity of voices and sounds and stories that we all bring to the stage. Ms. LuPone, I respectfully submit to you that you owe us an apology — not flowers. Thank you for listening.”
The Post has reached out to LuPone’s representative for comment. “The Roommate” producers responded to Lewis’ video in an Instagram statement on Sunday. “We are grateful to everyone at Hell’s Kitchen for adjusting their cues to prevent sound bleed into our theatre, which was affecting backstage, onstage and into the audience,” the statement read. “On Broadway, these historic buildings were built long before the existence of modern amplification and sit side by side, playhouses sharing walls with musical houses. These kinds of sound accommodations from one show to another are not unusual and are always deeply appreciated. We’re proud to share Shubert Alley with Hell’s Kitchen and wish our neighbors continued success.”
Lewis began her role in “Hell’s Kitchen” off-Broadway last year, and returned for the Broadway show earlier this year. She won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the ceremony in June. “Hell’s Kitchen” is produced by Alicia Keys and tells the story of the music icon’s teen years. It earned 13 nominations at the 2024 Tonys, including Best Musical. Last week, the show grossed $1,522,834 and played to 97% capacity.
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