Patti LuPone has faced criticism for her remarks on the sound levels coming from the nearby "Hell's Kitchen" production, amid her performance in "The Roommate" at the Booth Theatre.
Kecia Lewis, a cast member of "Hell's Kitchen," shared a video on Instagram and spoke about feeling "bullied" and hurt by what she called "racially insensitive" remarks from Lupone.
The 54-year-old singer-actress put out a disclaimer that her views were her own and did not reflect the opinions of her fellow cast members or the production team of "Hell's Kitchen."
Encouraging LuPone to reflect on her actions and words, Lewis brought up the noise bleed from "Hell's Kitchen" into "The Roommate," for which LuPone had requested sound adjustments.
Despite LuPone sending flowers to the sound and stage management teams at "Hell's Kitchen" in gratitude, Lewis saw this gesture as "dismissive and out of touch" towards the circumstances.
Lewis mentioned an incident involving LuPone declining to sign a Playbill from a "Hell's Kitchen" production, citing the noise level.
This action raised concerns about the potential reinforcement of negative stereotypes by labeling a musical with a predominantly Black cast as "loud."
Lewis said in her video, "In our industry, language holds power and shapes perception, often in ways that we may not immediately realize."
"Referring to a predominantly Black Broadway show as 'loud' can unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes, and it also feels dismissive of the artistry and the voices that are being celebrated on stage."
"On Broadway, we are not just neighbors, Ms. LuPone, we're a community that shares in each other's artistry and challenges. Respect and collaboration are what keep us thriving and inspire the next generation."
Lewis concluded, "Ms. LuPone, I respectfully submit to you that you owe us an apology. Not flowers."
