Broadway Star Kecia Lewis Calls Out Patti LuPone for 'Racially Microaggressive' Comments on 'Hell's Kitchen'
November 3, 2024Kecia Lewis recently called for an apology from Broadway star Patti LuPone after LuPone described the sound of the production 'Hell's Kitchen' as 'too loud,' which Lewis labeled as bullying and racially microaggressive.
In a five-minute Instagram video, Lewis expressed that LuPone's comments were 'offensive,' 'racially microaggressive,' and 'rooted in privilege,' prompting her to seek a more constructive dialogue.
Lewis urged LuPone to reflect on the impact of her words on artists from underrepresented communities, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in feedback.
She criticized LuPone's gesture of sending flowers to the sound and stage management team after adjustments were made, arguing that such performative acts can feel disingenuous without meaningful communication.
In her closing remarks, Lewis posed reflective questions about how industry veterans can provide constructive feedback and support diverse teams within the Broadway community.
Lewis also encouraged the team behind 'The Roommate,' LuPone's adjacent show, to engage directly with 'Hell's Kitchen' rather than bypassing the cast, which she viewed as another form of bullying.
The Shubert Theatre, where 'Hell's Kitchen' is staged, shares a wall with the Booth Theatre, where LuPone's show is performed, leading to sound bleed issues.
'Hell's Kitchen,' a musical created by Alicia Keys that reflects her upbringing, features a predominantly Black cast and premiered on Broadway in April 2024, earning 13 Tony nominations and winning two awards.
The producers of 'The Roommate' acknowledged the sound adjustments made for 'Hell's Kitchen' and expressed gratitude for the collaboration, noting that such accommodations are common in Broadway theaters.
Support for Lewis's stance came from several Broadway stars, including Audra McDonald, who expressed solidarity in the comments section of her video, while others defended LuPone's actions.
Lewis clarified that her statements reflected her personal views and did not represent the entire cast or crew of 'Hell's Kitchen,' urging for a reconsideration of the situation.
Representatives for LuPone did not comment on the situation when approached by Entertainment Weekly.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources
New York Post • Nov 4, 2024
Patti LuPone dragged into ‘racially microaggresive’ feud for asking neighboring show to lower the musicVariety • Nov 3, 2024
'Hell's Kitchen' Star Kecia Lewis Requests Apology From Patti LuPoneThe Hollywood Reporter • Nov 3, 2024
Kecia Lewis Says Patti LuPone Calling ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ “Too Loud” Is “Racially Microaggresive,” Requests Apology