Broadway legend Patti LuPone is clearing the air about her strained relationship with fellow actress Audra McDonald. In a candid new profile published on Monday, May 26, in The New Yorker, LuPone, 76, confirmed that McDonald, 54, is “not a friend”—and it seems the tension between them goes way back.
While LuPone didn’t reveal exactly what caused the rift, she hinted that their falling-out happened “long ago.”
Awkward Silence Over ‘Gypsy’ Role
When asked how she feels about McDonald’s current role as Rose in Broadway’s Gypsy—a part LuPone won a Tony Award for in 2008—LuPone went quiet. After a 15-second silence, she turned to look out the window and said,
“What a beautiful day.”
McDonald, however, has been praised for her portrayal of Rose and recently received her 11th Tony nomination for the role.
A Long History on Stage Together
LuPone and McDonald first performed together more than 20 years ago in the 2000 New York Philharmonic concert of Sweeney Todd. LuPone played Mrs. Lovett, while McDonald took on the role of the Beggar Woman.
They worked together again in 2007 in the L.A. Opera production of Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. Though they’ve shared the stage multiple times, it’s now clear that their off-stage relationship isn’t so harmonious.
The Kecia Lewis Controversy
The topic came up while LuPone was discussing another recent conflict with actress Kecia Lewis, 59. In 2023, LuPone was starring in The Roommate, a play running next door to the musical Hell’s Kitchen, where Lewis was a lead.
LuPone publicly complained about hearing loud sound cues through the wall, calling the musical “too loud.” Lewis later accused LuPone of being “bullying,” “offensive,” and “racially microaggressive,” claiming that LuPone calling a “Black show loud” was “rooted in privilege.”
Patti LuPone Fires Back
LuPone didn’t hold back in her response during the New Yorker interview:
“She calls herself a veteran? Let’s find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done, because she doesn’t know what the f*** she’s talking about.”
She went on to say:
“She’s done seven. I’ve done 31. Don’t call yourself a vet, b****.”
(According to the profile, Lewis has 10 Broadway credits, and LuPone has 28.)
LuPone also defended her original complaint, saying that sound bleeding through walls is a common issue in Broadway theaters.
Audra McDonald’s Silent Support?
When the interviewer mentioned that Audra McDonald reacted to Lewis’ video with “supportive emojis,” LuPone replied:
“Exactly. And I thought, ‘You should know better.’ That’s typical of Audra.”
Final Thoughts
Patti LuPone’s recent interview reveals not just personal frustrations but also deeper rifts in the Broadway theatre world, especially when it comes to generational experience, identity, and mutual respect. While fans admire both LuPone and McDonald for their immense talent and groundbreaking roles, it’s clear that behind the scenes, not every relationship is as smooth as it appears on stage.
Only time will tell if any of these strained ties can be mended—or if they’re simply part of Broadway’s backstage reality.
