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NBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Patti LuPone receives scathing open letter for 'degrading' comments about Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald
More than 600 members of the Broadway community condemned Patti LuPone in an open letter Friday after the three-time Tony winner made controversial comments about fellow stars Kecia Lewis and Audra McDonald. The letter, addressed to The American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League, comes in response to a profile published in The New Yorker this week in which LuPone called Lewis a 'b----' and McDonald 'not a friend.' 'This language is not only degrading and misogynistic — it is a blatant act of racialized disrespect. It constitutes bullying. It constitutes harassment,' the letter says. Theater publication Playbill reported signatories to the letter include Tony winners James Monroe Iglehart, Maleah Joi Moon and Wendell Pierce. Lewis currently stars in 'Hell's Kitchen' on Broadway, for which she won a 2024 Tony Award. McDonald won the 2014 Tony Award for best actress in a play (her sixth) and is the first performer to win the award in all performance categories. She is nominated for the 11th time this year for her lead performance in the musical 'Gypsy.' As of Saturday, the letter had garnered 682 signatures, according to a document that allows people to request the addition of their names. 'Individuals, including Patti Lupone, who use their platform to publicly demean, harass, or disparage fellow artists — particularly with racial, gendered, or otherwise violent language — should not be welcomed at industry events, including the Tony Awards, fundraisers, and public programs,' the letter said. The American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League — which present the Tony Awards, set to be held on June 8 — did not immediately respond to NBC News' requests for comment. LuPone also did not immediately respond. In the New Yorker interview, LuPone was asked about a controversy that circulated during her time co-starring in 'The Roommate' with Mia Farrow last fall. The play, which has since closed, shared a wall with the Tony-winning musical 'Hell's Kitchen,' featuring Lewis. LuPone reportedly asked for the sound design of 'Hell's Kitchen' to be adjusted because the music would bleed through the shared walls, and sent the sound and stage management team flowers and a thank-you note once it was fixed. Lewis posted a video on Instagram in November in response, calling LuPone's actions 'racially microaggressive' and 'rooted in privilege.' Producers of 'The Roommate' posted a statement the following day thanking the 'Hell's Kitchen' staff for the fix, saying, 'These kinds of sound accommodations from one show to another are not unusual and are always deeply appreciated.' LuPone said of the back-and-forth in The New Yorker interview: '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's done seven. I've done thirty-one. Don't call yourself a vet, b----.' The New Yorker noted that Lewis has actually done 10 shows and LuPone 28. Michael Schulman, the interviewer, mentioned to LuPone that McDonald — who holds the record as the Broadway performer with the most Tony Awards and nominations — gave the video 'supportive emojis.' The 76-year-old actor responded: 'And I thought, 'You should know better.' That's typical of Audra. She's not a friend.' McDonald was asked about LuPone's comments in a 'CBS Mornings' interview with Gayle King to discuss her latest Tony-nominated role as Mama Rose in 'Gypsy.' 'If there's a rift between us, I don't know what it is,' McDonald said in a clip CBS shared on social media ahead of the full interview, which airs next week. 'That's something that you'd have to ask Patti about.' The open letter said LuPone's attempt to 'discredit' McDonald's legacy was not only a personal offense, but 'a public affront to the values of collaboration, equity, and mutual respect that our theater community claims to uphold.'
Forbes
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Tourism And Theater: Trends Shaping New York's Broadway Success
getty There are few experiences that encapsulate the magic of New York City quite like seeing a Broadway show. For both visitors and locals, Broadway represents more than just entertainment—it's a cultural institution, a rite of passage, and an unforgettable part of the city's identity. Located in the vibrant heart of Manhattan, the Broadway Theater District is a dazzling stretch of lights, history, and talent. For tourists, a trip to New York often isn't complete without seeing at least one Broadway show. Whether it's a hit musical like Hamilton, or a poignant play starring new talent, Broadway has plenty to offer. It's an opportunity to dress up, dine out, and experience world-class storytelling on an iconic stage. For international visitors, Broadway represents the pinnacle of American theater, often delivered with a level of production quality that's hard to match elsewhere. But Broadway isn't just for out-of-towners. Locals hold it close to their hearts, too. Many New Yorkers remember their first Broadway show as a childhood milestone or a school field trip that sparked a lifelong love of the arts. For theater lovers, the ever-changing lineup of new productions, revivals, and experimental pieces offers endless reasons to keep coming back. Broadway also serves as a creative engine for the city. It supports thousands of jobs and attracts millions of visitors each year, helping fuel nearby restaurants, hotels, and shops. In a city that's always moving, always evolving, Broadway remains a steadfast symbol of New York's soul. As Broadway continues to thrive post-pandemic, audiences are returning in record numbers. Bob Hofmann, Vice President of Broadway Inbound, discussed emerging trends, marketing strategies, and what theatergoers can expect from the upcoming season. getty According to Hofmann, one of the most promising trends is the continued increase in Broadway attendance. 'Gross sales are up 18.5% over last season, and attendance has increased by nearly 17%,' he notes, citing the latest figures from The Broadway League. A significant portion of Broadway's audience comes from tourism, with international visitors making up 21.3% of attendees— the highest percentage since the 2012-2013 season. Hofmann emphasizes that 'big titles and big stars remain major draws,' but ticket-buying habits have shifted. While audiences used to book shows well in advance, they now tend to purchase closer to performance dates. Domestic tourists, however, continue to plan ahead to secure tickets for must-see productions. Weekends remain the most popular, but Hofmann suggests booking weeknight performances for better availability. Looking forward, the 2024-2025 season is set to be a spectacular one, with at least 19 new productions slated to open. Among the most anticipated are Real Women Have Curves, Buena Vista Social Club, SMASH, BOOP, Just in Time, Operation Mincemeat, and Stranger Things: The First Shadow. getty At The Broadway Collection, which helps visitors find the right show and best seats, the marketing focus is on content marketing and PR. 'There's a surprising lack of accurate, up-to-date Broadway information on global travel sites,' Hofmann explains. 'So we've stepped in to fill that gap.' Investments in written content, video, and social media have been key to this strategy. By offering reliable information and storytelling, Broadway Collection helps travelers plan their trips effectively. As Hofmann puts it, 'No trip to NYC is complete without seeing a show. Two is even better.' The Broadway Collection features a diverse range of productions, spanning Broadway, Off-Broadway, New York City Ballet, and The Metropolitan Opera. Some of the season's most anticipated new shows include Buena Vista Social Club, SMASH, and Stranger Things: The First Shadow. For those looking to experience Broadway's iconic long-running hits, classics like The Book of Mormon, Hamilton, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Lion King, SIX, and Chicago remain very popular. One of the biggest hurdles in promoting Broadway productions is educating audiences about lesser-known titles. 'Everyone knows Aladdin, and they should—it's spectacular. But how many people know about Maybe Happy Ending or & Juliet?' Hofmann asks. Additionally, Off-Broadway gems like Little Shop of Horrors offer incredible, intimate productions with rotating celebrity casts, yet they require more audience awareness. Revivals and adaptations continue to be a staple of Broadway. 'Shakespeare's plays are proof that great stories endure,' Hofmann states, citing an upcoming production of Othello starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. He also points to Death Becomes Her, which recently opened to strong reviews, and Audra McDonald's revival of Gypsy, which is selling out nightly. 'Every year, we find classic shows that deserve a fresh take—whether it's a revival, a reimagining, or an adaptation. That ability to evolve is what makes them timeless.' Looking ahead, Hofmann's goal is simple: to introduce more visitors to Broadway. 'We want to help travelers explore shows they might not have considered by providing the tools to connect with productions that suit their tastes.' A key part of this mission is breaking down barriers for those who may feel that Broadway, ballet, or opera 'isn't for them.' Hofmann and his team aim to continue creating high-quality, engaging shows for diverse audiences.
NBC News
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
‘Wicked' choice: Cynthia Erivo will host the Tony Awards in June
NEW YORK — 'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo, who has been earning awards left and right, will next be handing them out — she's been picked to be the host of the Tony Awards. 'I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor,' Erivo said in a statement. 'I am looking forward to ushering the theater community at large through a night that celebrates the wonderful performances we have witnessed throughout the year. I hope I can rise to the occasion.' Erivo has won a Grammy, Emmy and a Tony, as well as a Golden Globe, SAG Award and three Academy Award nominations. This season's Tony Awards will take place on June 8 at its familiar home of Radio City Music Hall. They will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+. The awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. 'Through performances on both stage and screen, Cynthia has extended the magic of musical theater to millions of new fans around the globe — and that is exactly the mission of the Tony Awards,' said Heather Hitchens, president & CEO of the American Theater Wing and Jason Laks, president of The Broadway League.
The Independent
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
'Wicked' choice: Cynthia Erivo will host the Tony Awards in June
'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo, who has been earning awards left and right, will next be handing them out — she's been picked to be the host of the Tony Awards. 'I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor,' Erivo said in a statement. 'I am looking forward to ushering the theater community at large through a night that celebrates the wonderful performances we have witnessed throughout the year. I hope I can rise to the occasion.' Erivo has won a Grammy, Emmy and a Tony, as well as a Golden Globe, SAG Award and three Academy Award nominations. This season's Tony Awards will take place on June 8 at its familiar home of Radio City Music Hall. They will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+. The awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. 'Through performances on both stage and screen, Cynthia has extended the magic of musical theater to millions of new fans around the globe — and that is exactly the mission of the Tony Awards,' said Heather Hitchens, president & CEO of the American Theater Wing and Jason Laks, president of The Broadway League.
Associated Press
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
‘Wicked' choice: Cynthia Erivo will host the Tony Awards in June
NEW YORK (AP) — 'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo, who has been earning awards left and right, will next be handing them out — she's been picked to be the host of the Tony Awards. 'I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor,' Erivo said in a statement. 'I am looking forward to ushering the theater community at large through a night that celebrates the wonderful performances we have witnessed throughout the year. I hope I can rise to the occasion.' Erivo has won a Grammy, Emmy and a Tony, as well as a Golden Globe, SAG Award and three Academy Award nominations. This season's Tony Awards will take place on June 8 at its familiar home of Radio City Music Hall. They will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+. The awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. 'Through performances on both stage and screen, Cynthia has extended the magic of musical theater to millions of new fans around the globe — and that is exactly the mission of the Tony Awards,' said Heather Hitchens, president & CEO of the American Theater Wing and Jason Laks, president of The Broadway League.
