Patti LuPone is currently encountering significant criticism from the Broadway community due to controversial remarks she made in a recent profile piece.
The 76-year-old, who has won three prestigious Tony Awards, boldly declared that she is “done with Broadway,” in her feature in The New Yorker. Her comments suggest that she is unafraid of making enemies within the industry.
Previously, in November 2024, Patti faced backlash when Kecia Lewis, a fellow Tony Award-winning actress currently starring in the musical Hell’s Kitchen, published an open letter addressing her actions on Broadway.
While performing in the play The Roommate at a theatre adjacent to Hell’s Kitchen, Patti contacted the management of the other production to request changes to their sound cues, asserting they were “too loud.” Kecia criticized Patti’s conduct as “bullying” and “racially microaggressive,” highlighting the sensitive nature of such interactions in the theatre community.
In her New Yorker feature, Patti discussed the incident in detail.
“Oh my God,” said Patti. “Here’s the issue. She refers to herself as a veteran? Let’s examine how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has participated in, because she clearly lacks the necessary experience.”
Patti then researched the statistics online during the interview, revealing, “She’s done seven shows. I’ve done thirty-one. Don’t refer to yourself as a veteran, bitch.” The writer later clarified that the actual numbers were 10 and 28, respectively.
“This is a common occurrence on Broadway. Such issues arise frequently when theatres share walls,” Patti remarked, emphasizing the ongoing challenges actors face in maintaining sound quality in close quarters.
Patti did not hold back her criticism of actress Audra McDonald for supporting Kecia. She stated, “Exactly. And I thought, You should be more informed. That’s typical of Audra. She’s not a true friend.”
In response, Kecia’s co-star and fellow Tony nominee, Shoshana Bean, is now voicing her perspective through a detailed statement.
Continue reading to learn more about this unfolding drama…
Shoshana expressed her thoughts on her Instagram Stories, stating, “Here’s what I firmly believe … speaking in such a manner about any woman is completely unacceptable in my eyes. Especially when it concerns a Black woman. Regardless of the number of shows, awards, or years in the industry, their accomplishments are impressive but irrelevant when discussing the respect they inherently deserve as Black Women. Their mere existence should be honored and celebrated as extraordinary!”
“It is intolerable to speak of or address Black women in ANY industry, particularly within OUR COLLECTIVE COMMUNITY, in the way we have just witnessed,” she further emphasized.
Shoshana continued passionately, “Another point I must make… My entire artistry and inspiration are built upon the contributions of Black Women. I will always stand by, support, celebrate, and uplift them.”
Shoshana is actively encouraging young girls to reconsider idolizing Patti.
“And to all the little white girls who look up to Patti as they watch these events unfold? This is NOT the way things should be done. We will not promote or endorse this behavior,” she asserted.
“AND ANOTHER THING!!!! Our community is already facing significant challenges. Our government is continually threatening the very existence of art and artists, undermining funding and the legitimacy of our work while simultaneously attempting to erase the history and contributions of Black individuals in this nation. We cannot tolerate such attacks within our own community. This one individual does not represent WHO WE ARE. The defense rests. Xo,” she concluded emphatically.
Shoshana began her journey on Broadway in 2002 with the original cast of Hairspray, later becoming the first replacement for Elphaba in Wicked. Her Broadway credits also feature Waitress, Mr. Saturday Night, and most recently, Hell’s Kitchen.
