Patti LuPone Calls Audra McDonald ‘Not a Friend’ After Backstage Feud
Broadway Icon Patti LuPone Opens up about her Falling out with Audra ”McDonald,, Citing a backstage Controversy and Public Support of a critic as Reasons for their Fractured Friendship .
In a Candid interview with The New Yorker,, Broadway Legend Patti LuPone Revealed that her Relationship with Fellow theater Icon Audra ”McDonald” has Soured,, Stating that McDonald is ” not a friend ” Anymore . This Revelation Sheds light on a Longstanding,, Albeit Previously Private,, rift Between the two Celebrated Actresses .
A History of Collaboration
LuPone and McDonald have shared the stage in notable productions, including the 2000 rendition of Sweeney Todd and the 2007 Los Angeles Opera’s Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, which earned them a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording. Their professional rapport was once marked by mutual respect and artistic synergy.
The ‘ Gypsy ‘ Silence
Tensions Resurfaced When LuPone Declined to comment on ”McDonald,s acclaimed portrayal of Rose in the recent revival of Gypsy,, a role LuPone famously played in 2008,, earning her a Tony Award . LuPone’s silence was perceived as a sign of disapproval, further straining their relationship .
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The Hell,s Kitchen ‘ Incident
The rift deepened following an incident involving Broadway actress Kecia Lewis, who accused LuPone of racially insensitive behavior after LuPone complained about the loudness of the neighboring show Hell’s Kitchen, which features a predominantly Black cast. McDonald publicly supported Lewis’s remarks on social media, prompting LuPone to criticize both women, dismissing Lewis’s veteran status and expressing disappointment in McDonald.
LuPone,s Reflections and Future Endeavors
At 76, LuPone has announced her retirement from Broadway, citing a desire to focus on television and film projects. Despite her departure from the stage, she continues to captivate audiences with her performances and remains a vocal critic of contemporary Broadway and American politics.
McDonald,s Continued Success
Audra McDonald,, 54,, Continues to make History with her Performances,, Recently Earning her 11th Tony Nomination for Gypsy . She Holds the Record for the Most Tony Awards won by a Performer,, with Six accolades Spanning all four Acting Categories .