INTRODUCTION :
Patti LuPone has openly addressed the state of her relationship with fellow Broadway star Audra McDonald, revealing that their friendship is far from flourishing.
LuPone:
an interview with Michael Schulman from the New Yorker, the 76-year-old actress candidly stated that McDonald is “not a friend,” highlighting the ongoing tension that has persisted between them for years.
LuPone briefly mentioned to the outlet that her relationship ended due to an incident that occurred years ago.
When Schulman prompted her to share her views on McDonald’s portrayal of Rose in “Gypsy,” the “And Just Like That…” actress reportedly fell silent, gazed out the window, sighed, and remarked on the beauty of the day.
LuPone won a Tony Award in 2008 for her portrayal of Rose, while McDonald received a nomination for her role in the same musical, making her the most nominated performer in Tony history with a total of 11 nominations.
McDonald has won six Tonys, whereas LuPone has earned three. Despite lacking a personal friendship, the two Broadway icons have shared the stage, notably in 2000 when they performed together in the New York Philharmonic’s concert rendition of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
LuPone and McDonald shared the stage in the 2007 LA Opera production of Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. In a recent profile, the Agatha All Along alum openly addressed a conflict with Kecia Lewis, stemming from a social media exchange last year.
The 59-year-old took to Instagram to criticize LuPone for her remarks about the musical Hell’s Kitchen, describing it as “too loud.
Lewis expressed her belief that the actions in question constituted bullying, describing them as offensive, racially microaggressive, and rooted in privilege.
She emphasized that such behavior undermines community and leadership, particularly from someone with LuPone’s extensive experience in the industry.
In her closing remarks, Lewis encouraged LuPone and other Broadway figures to cultivate an inclusive environment that appreciates the diverse contributions of all productions. She asserted that an apology, rather than flowers, would be a more appropriate response from LuPone.
At the time, LuPone was performing in “The Roommate” alongside Mia Farrow and noted that the sound cues from the adjacent musical were excessively loud.
Patti LuPone expressed her disbelief regarding Kecia Lewis’s claim of being a veteran in the theater world, questioning the validity of her experience.
LuPone pointed out that while Lewis has participated in seven Broadway shows, she herself has an impressive record of 31. This prompted LuPone to assert that Lewis should refrain from labeling herself as a veteran.
Additionally, during the conversation, LuPone reacted to Audra McDonald’s supportive response to Lewis’s post, indicating her disappointment and suggesting that McDonald should have known better.
In another part of the interview, LuPone reflected on her tumultuous seven-year relationship with ex-partner Kevin Kline, describing it as a painful experience.
Patti LuPone expressed her disbelief regarding Kecia Lewis’s claim of being a veteran in the theater world, questioning the validity of her experience.
LuPone pointed out that while Lewis has participated in seven Broadway shows, she herself has an impressive record of 31. This prompted LuPone to assert that Lewis should refrain from labeling herself as a veteran.
Additionally, during the conversation, LuPone reacted to Audra McDonald’s supportive response to Lewis’s post, indicating her disappointment and suggesting that McDonald should have known better.
In another part of the interview, LuPone reflected on her tumultuous seven-year relationship with ex-partner Kevin Kline, describing it as a painful experience.
1. LuPone described her relationship with Kline as tumultuous, noting that she was only his girlfriend when it suited him. Whenever he found someone else, he would end their relationship without hesitation.
Despite the emotional turmoil, she persevered until she could no longer endure the situation.
Kline eventually married Phoebe Cates in 1989, and they have two children, Owen and Greta. Meanwhile, LuPone married Matthew Johnston in 1988 and soon after welcomed their son, Joshua Luke Johnston.
