Podcast Summary: "Why Patti LuPone Has Apologised | An Update to the Broadway Drama"
Podcast Details:
- Title: MickeyJoTheatre
- Host: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey-Jo)
- Episode Title: Why Patti LuPone Has Apologised | An Update to the Broadway Drama
- Release Date: June 4, 2025
1. Introduction and Overview
In this episode, Mickey-Jo delves into the escalating drama surrounding renowned Broadway actresses Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, and Keisha Lewis. Sparked by comments Patti made in a recent New Yorker profile, the situation has ignited widespread discussion about privilege, accountability, and the dynamics within the theatre community.
Notable Quote:
"This is a conversation worth having. And I think it brings up realities about, you know, differing levels of privilege within the theatre community." [02:30]
2. The Origin of the Controversy
The controversy began towards the end of 2024 when Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow starred in The Roommate at the Booth Theatre on Broadway. Sharing a venue with the musical Hell’s Kitchen at the Schubert Theatre, Patti experienced disruptions from the musical’s sound system.
Key Points:
- Patti raised concerns about the excessive noise originating from the neighboring musical.
- After addressing the issue with the sound team, Patti sent flowers as a gesture of appreciation for the adjustments made.
- Concurrently, Patti refused to sign a Hell’s Kitchen playbill at the stage door, citing the show's loudness as the reason.
Notable Quote:
"The bass of the music and the instruments was coming through the wall onto their stage and out into the auditorium and into the audience." [04:45]
3. Escalation and Allegations of Microaggression
Patti’s actions, perceived as unwelcoming by Hell’s Kitchen cast member Keisha Lewis, led Keisha to interpret them as racial microaggressions. This sentiment was further amplified by Audra McDonald’s expression of solidarity towards Keisha.
Key Points:
- Keisha Lewis publicly addressed the situation, feeling demeaned by Patti’s actions.
- Mickey-Jo initially mischaracterized the incident but later acknowledged the miscarriage in understanding microaggressions.
- The essence of a microaggression lies in its reception, not the intent behind it.
Notable Quote:
"The whole point of a microaggression is that it comes out of this ignorance of privilege." [16:00]
4. Patti LuPone’s Comments in the New Yorker Piece
Months after the initial incident, Patti authored a New Yorker piece where she critiqued Keisha Lewis’s status as a veteran performer and expressed discontent with Audra McDonald’s perceived estrangement.
Key Points:
- Patti disputed Keisha’s credentials as a veteran, undermining her achievements.
- She revealed feelings of betrayal, stating that Audra wasn’t a friend despite past collaborations.
- These remarks ignited widespread backlash within the theatre community.
Notable Quote:
"She discredited the legacy of Audra McDonald, the most nominated and awarded performer in Tony Award history." [25:50]
5. Community Backlash and the Open Letter
In response to Patti’s comments, hundreds of Broadway creatives and performers co-signed an open letter demanding accountability and advocating for a more respectful and equitable theatre environment.
Key Points:
- The open letter criticized the tolerance of harmful behaviors by influential figures.
- It called for the exclusion of individuals like Patti from prestigious events such as the Tony Awards unless they adhered to community values.
- Emphasized that accountability should stem from care, not punishment.
Notable Excerpt from Open Letter:
"We cannot continue to welcome back those who harm others simply because of their fame or perceived value. This must stop." [32:15]
6. Audra McDonald’s Graceful Response
Amidst the turmoil, Audra McDonald maintained her composure, publicly distancing herself from the feud and emphasizing her longstanding relationship with Patti, which seemingly spanned over a decade without personal contact.
Key Points:
- In an interview with Gayle King, Audra expressed confusion over the alleged rift, highlighting their lack of interaction for 11 years.
- Audra’s response was lauded for its class and restraint, avoiding escalation.
Notable Quote:
"If there is a rift between us, I don't know what it is." [39:40]
7. Patti LuPone’s Public Apology
Breaking her characteristic stance, Patti LuPone issued a public apology addressing her remarks and the ensuing fallout.
Key Points:
- Patti acknowledged her inappropriate comments and expressed deep regret for offending others.
- She extended a hope to personally reconcile with Audra and Keisha.
- While the apology was comprehensive, some critics felt it lacked direct commitment to actionable change.
Notable Quote:
"I am deeply sorry for the words I used during the New Yorker interview, particularly about Keisha Lewis, which would be demeaning and disrespectful." [46:20]
8. Reflection on Privilege and Community Values
Mickey-Jo underscores the central theme of privilege, urging the theatre community to engage in deeper conversations about systemic issues rather than focusing solely on individual transgressions.
Key Points:
- Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the privileges that come with status in the industry.
- Advocates for collective accountability to foster a healthier, more inclusive Broadway environment.
- Highlights ongoing progress, such as Audra McDonald’s acclaimed performance in Gypsy, as steps toward a more diverse and equitable theatre landscape.
Notable Quote:
"If you think this feels disproportionate, if you’re any one of the people who commented saying nothing Patti said was wrong, I would encourage everyone to open their minds just a little bit to try and lead with a little more empathy." [59:00]
9. Conclusion and Call to Action
Mickey-Jo wraps up the episode by calling on listeners to prioritize empathy, understanding, and ongoing dialogue to ensure the Broadway community continues to evolve positively.
Key Points:
- Encourages the audience to engage with grace and empathy.
- Highlights the importance of supporting community values and holding individuals accountable.
- Expresses hope for resolution and peace within the affected parties.
Notable Quote:
"Let us all try and find a shared understanding and a shared humanity and just be considerate of each other's lives and different experiences." [67:30]
Final Thoughts: MickeyJoTheatre's episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex dynamics between prominent Broadway figures, emphasizing the need for systemic change and greater awareness of privilege within the theatre community. Through thoughtful discussion and inclusion of impactful quotes, the podcast offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the events and their broader implications for Broadway's future.