Broadway legend Patti LuPone thought the musical next door to her play was too loud. She complained, then sent flowers as a thank-you when they made some changes.
The star of that show’s response? LuPone’s actions were “racially microaggressive.” Yep, even sending the flowers.
Kecia Lewis, 59, released a six-minute Instagram video on Saturday where she called out LuPone, 75, for how she’s allegedly treated the production of “Hell’s Kitchen,” which Lewis stars in as Miss Liza Jane.
Kecia Lewis in an Instagram video. Instagram / @therealkecialewisThe Tony Award winner said 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 addressed “a couple of situations that have gone on in the last few weeks” involving the “Agatha All Along” actress.
Patti LuPone at the “Agatha All Along” premiere on Sept. 16, 2024. Getty Images for MarvelExplore More
“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” plays at the Shubert Theatre, which shares a back wall with LuPone and Mia Farrow’s show “The Roommate” at the Booth Theatre. The Post broke the news of the production in April.
Lewis. Instagram / @therealkecialewis Lewis. Instagram / @therealkecialewisLewis’ video showed a clip of LuPone outside the theater 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.
Lewis (left) and Maleah Joi Moon in “Hell’s Kitchen.” Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions“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 onstage and perform the work were impacted,” she added.
Marsha Mason (left) and LuPone in “The Roommate.” WireImageThe “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.
Lewis at the 2024 Tony Awards. Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions“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.”
LuPone on the “And Just Like That” film set in Manhattan on Oct. 8. GC ImagesThe Post has reached out to LuPone’s rep for comment.
“The Roommate” producers responded to Lewis’ video in an Instagram statement Sunday.
“We are grateful to everyone at ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ for adjusting their cues to prevent sound bleed into our theater, 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.”
Some stars have weighed in on the drama in the comments section of Lewis’ video.
Tony Award winner Audra McDonald showed support for Lewis by commenting two heart emojis and two clapping emojis.
Lewis’ “Hell’s Kitchen” co-star Donna Vivino wrote “Love you Kecia ❤️.”
Fellow Broadway star Rema Webb told Lewis, “Thank you for this Sis. If there is response, I hope it is thoughtful and full of understanding … with a desire for an emotionally intelligent conversation.”
Singer Avery Wilson, who was on “The Voice” in 2012, wrote, “This is how you grown [sic] and change a community for the BETTER: accountability!”
Lewis performs at the 2024 Tony Awards. Getty Images for Tony Awards ProductionsTony Award-winning director Kenny Leon commented, “So well said … with respect to cultural differences.”
“Well said my friend,” added “The Color Purple” star LaChanze.
Other commenters defended LuPone and called out Lewis for her open letter.
“Nah this isn’t leading with positivity and respect in mind. You know damn well what Patti meant and instead took it as an opportunity to read her. Everyone calling this a classy move, is the class in the room with us? This is shaaaaady shade shade,” one person wrote.
LuPone at the “Agatha All Along” premiere. FilmMagic“Give me a break. Not everything is racism. Rooted in privilege. Ridiculous,” someone else wrote.
Another person added: “Talk about privilege and narcissism. We’ve all been in movie theaters where a slow drama is interrupted by the war scene next door. Reasonable to request an adjustment.”
“This is too stupid for words. Get over yourself and stop the micro-aggression bs. She didn’t like your show and said it was too loud. You are looking for things to get upset about,” a fourth follower commented.
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” comes from 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.
