“Hell’s Kitchen” star Kecia Lewis asked Patti LuPone to apologize on Saturday after the Broadway legend and “Agatha All Along” star called the jukebox musical “too loud.”
In six minutes video posted to Instagram On Saturday, Lewis — who won a Tony this year for her performance as Miss Liza Jane in “Hell’s Kitchen” — began her open letter to LuPone by specifying that the message “does not come from the cast or crew or producers of ‘Hell’s Kitchen. ‘I only speak for Kecia Lewis.”
Lewis further noted “a number of situations that have arisen in recent weeks” involving LuPone. “The first is that you contacted our theater owner about changing some of our sound cues because you felt they were too loud,” she said. “After our sound design was adjusted, you also sent flowers to our sound and stage management team to thank them.”
LuPone is currently starring opposite Mia Farrow in the Broadway play “The Roommate” at the Booth Theater, which shares a back wall with “Hell’s Kitchen” at the Shubert Theater.
Lewis’ video message is cut to a clip of LuPone refusing to sign a fan’s “Hell’s Kitchen” poster because the musical is “too loud.” “I wanted to address this because, Ms. LuPone, in my opinion, these actions constitute bullying. They are offensive, they are racially microaggressive, they are rude, they are rooted in privilege. And these actions also lack a sense of community and leadership for someone like you, who has been in the business as long as you have.”
Lewis continued, “I want to explain what microaggression is. These are subtle, unintentional comments or actions that convey stereotypes, prejudices, or negative assumptions about someone based on his or her race. Microaggressions may seem harmless or insignificant, but can build up and cause significant stress or discomfort for the recipient. Examples of this include loudly shouting a black show in a way that dismisses it. In our industry, language has power and shapes perception, often in ways we may not immediately realize. Referencing a predominantly Black Broadway show as loud can inadvertently reinforce harmful stereotypes, and it also feels dismissive of the artistry and voices celebrated on stage.
While he acknowledged that sending thank you flowers appears courteous, the Hell’s Kitchen star argued that the gesture was “dismissive and out of touch, especially after a formal complaint you filed that resulted in the changes that affected our entire production.” The people who have to go on stage and do the work were especially affected.”
Later in the video, Lewis asked a number of questions that theater veterans like herself and LuPone “may consider to support community-building equity and inclusivity on Broadway.” “How can I ensure that my feedback or concerns are communicated in a way that is constructive and, above all, respectful?” Lewis said. “How can I use my platform and experience to support diverse show teams that promote the idea that every production brings unique value to Broadway?”
Lewis concluded the open letter to LuPone by saying, “On Broadway, we are not just neighbors, Ms. LuPone. We are a community that shares each other’s artistry and challenges. Respect and collaboration ensure that we continue to thrive 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 us continue to foster an environment on Broadway that recognizes and values all shows for their unique contributions and energy, and that celebrates the diversity of voices, sounds and stories that we all bring to the stage. Ms. LuPone, I respectfully submit that you owe us an apology – no flowers. Thanks for listening.”
“Hell’s Kitchen” is a semi-autobiographical musical about singer Alicia Keys’ upbringing in New York City in the 1990s. The musical, with music and lyrics by Keys, premiered on Broadway in April and received 13 Tony nominations, winning two.
Variety has reached out to LuPone representatives for comment.