LuPone on McDonald — Page 28

BrodyFosse123 said: "

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Despite all the disagreements, everyone should admit, this compilation of Patti being Patti is fab. That's how I feel about some regulars on this board and people in general.

Updated On: 5/30/25 at 08:44 PM

I am not at all understanding this talk of Patti's actions being "ignored," or her being "absolved." when this is so obviously not true. It is everywhere. Countless people have condemned her words. In fact - you are saying it yourselves: her reputation is affected, this will "color how she is perceived," some people will "second guess" hiring her, she is now carrying "baggage," she is now, for many, "a liability" etc etc etc. Listen to yourselves! There are *clearly* consequences. People who want to bar her from performing from their venues *will do so.* People who want to criticizer her *will do so* and *are doing so.* And probably the reason the condemnation is not as near-universal as some would like it to be is because many people, who in unambiguous instances of harm or injustice would absolutely be speaking out, are not trusting the genuineness of these accusations of deep, racially-motivated harm *in this specific case.* I am not at all trying to say "no harm done." I'm not trying to say never believe people's accusations of harm. But I think what we are noticing (and some are frustrated with) is people starting to be more discerning, trusting their instincts, and using their free thinking to determine - as everyone has the right to do, and no one has the control to stop other people from doing - that this is not exactly what some people are purporting it to be. That doesn't have to mean it's not wrong. It doesn't have to be a binary of "ignore it" or "believe it is ACUTE, safety-compromising harm." And clearly plenty of people also do think that it is as disturbing and safety-compromising as its being made out to be by some. But back to the original point of: there are consequences for these actions! Plenty of people saying she's "getting away with it" or "being absolved" are even acknowledging that there are consequences.

Updated On: 5/30/25 at 09:01 PM

BroadwayGirl107 said: "BroadwayRox3588 said: "You know whose responsibility it is toactuallycalm all this down? Ours.

WE can take the high road, by just ignoring it, and not feeding into the drama. If the children want to be children, then let 'em. We can make the choice to be the adults. Let this die down, because it really is, in the grand scheme of things, much ado about nothing.

Also, to address another comment from this thread –if Nicole had the edge in the Tony Awards (which most have seemed to think she did), and THIS is the thing that tips the scales in favor of Audra, then it will take a lot of the credibility away from the Tony Awards, which are supposed to be about performance, and performance only."

Oh, sweet, sweet summer child. The Tonys--and every awards show--are not about performance only. Why do you think these shows invest tens of thousands (if not more?) money into Tony campaigns? These productions are paying press teams, ad agencies, and social media teams big dollars not just to advertise the show, but to position the show and its actors as meritous and worthy of awards. Every article you see written about these people was plotted and planned by the show's press team and the actor's PR to position them as The Best Option. These folks are schmoozing the hell out of every Tony voter they can. Buying gifts, throwing cocktail parties, hosting talkbacks---ALL of it is about swaying the voters. And these campaigns often are successful---particularly in close races. When voters can't decide between two people they think deserves an awardand they remember they had a nice conversation with Audra but Nicole might be MAGA, things like this sway votes.

This whole ordeal will definitely have a positive impact on Audra. People see her as being disrespected and needlessly attacked, and it is human nature to want to defend her and celebrate her in response.

I'm not saying it means Audra will DEFINITELY win, but this will absolutely sway some voters. Voters are, after all, human."

Thank you for breaking this down for them. Performance and performance only, for any awards show went out the window many years ago. Google the campaign for the Crash movie that beat Brokeback Mountain and how it changed the landscape of campaigning for awards across the entertainment industry.

Updated On: 5/30/25 at 09:28 PM

I think it's so pathetic that so many people keep regurgitating the ridiculous claim that Nicole Scherzinger likes, respects, or voted for Donald Trump. In your quest in being the perfect social justice warrior, you effectively drag an innocent woman of color's name through the mud. But it's also just sad to watch people repeat something just because it's been said the loudest. And for what? A like on the message board? A viral TikTok? She's a real person. These are real people's lives.

Ensemble1698878795 said: "TasteOfHoney said: "So let me get this right , it is racist to call a show loud if black people are in the show- this is mental illness , what is a micro aggression? This must be some newspeak Orwell talked about ? I would have been angry too if someone called me racist because I thought something was too loud!! This is mental illness- repeat after me- Mental illness"

You’re correct. Racism is mental illness. I’m glad you’ve looked in the mirror and publicly called yourself out."

No , to assume someone who complained about the sound of a show with black performers did iit because of racism , is actually racist . Yes , it is mental illness to think everything is racist. I can guarantee you if the show playing next door to the Booth was a show with a white cast was too loud , Lupone would also complain . For a long time concerts at the venue next to Lion king , were very loud , rock concerts , and the Lion King would often complain to the venue about the noise and also the weed smoke - these things happen with theaters right next to each other - it’s not a big deal and Ms Lewis obviously had issues when she tosses stupid jargon around like “ privilege “ and “ micro aggressions “ , most likely the sound person was at fault , not the cast . Ms Lewis should seek psychological counseling if she finds racism in a sound issue,

TasteOfHoney said: "Ensemble1698878795 said: "TasteOfHoney said: "So let me get this right , it is racist to call a show loud if black people are in the show- this is mental illness , what is a micro aggression? This must be some newspeak Orwell talked about ? I would have been angry too if someone called me racist because I thought something was too loud!! This is mental illness- repeat after me- Mental illness"

You’re correct. Racism is mental illness. I’m glad you’ve looked in the mirror and publicly called yourself out."

No , to assume someone who complained about the sound of a show with black performers did iit because of racism , is actually racist . Yes , it is mental illness to think everything is racist. I can guarantee you if the show playing next door to the Booth was a show with a white cast was too loud , Lupone would also complain . For a long time concerts at the venue next to Lion king , were very loud , rock concerts , and the Lion King would often complain to the venue about the noise and also the weed smoke - these things happen with theaters right next to each other - it’s not a big deal and Ms Lewis obviously had issues when she tosses stupid jargon around like “ privilege “ and “ micro aggressions “ , most likely the sound person was at fault , not the cast . Ms Lewis should seek psychological counseling if she finds racism in a sound issue,"

It’s obvious you’re not intellectually evolved enough to be worthy of an actual conversation. If you think privilege and micro aggressions are “stupid jargon” you’re living in segregated 1965 and I’ll leave you there.

TasteOfHoney said: "Ensemble1698878795 said: "Ke3 said: "binau said: "I actually wish Audra would step in and try to calm it all down. She is likely the only person people will listen to. Audra, if as you claimed there is no rift between you and Patti surely you don’t want to watch your friend be destroyed for her imperfections. If you are Patti’s friend as you suggested I think she could use the help."

Why would it be Audra's responsibility to "calm it all down?" She isn't the one who caused the storm!

It's mind blowing to me that this is now turning on her as if she's the one who couldn't hold her tongue in an interview.At the beginning of this thread it was "Patti's just Patti" but now Audra should step in and "save" Patti from Patti? You guys really don't get how that sounds. By the admission of half the people in this thread Patti doesn't need saving."

It’s Audra responsibility because Patti has apparently been absolved of all accountability. She gets a pass bc that’s just who she is. It’s actually who you know her to be, but you don’t know that she may carry racist tendencies bc you’re not around her all the time. We know her by her words.

People always expectBlack women to take the high road and cater to white women’s mistakes. Not this time, babies. Your old white racist Aunty isn’t getting pass and regardless if she’s booked or not, her reputation as a human is TRASH. Trust me, this will color how she’s perceived. Her mouth and carelessness will make producers second guess her employment. She now comes with baggage she created and producers don’t like drama that’s not on the stage. Her mouth and attitude havemade her a liability."

The only racist is Ms Lewis - who assumed complaining about a sound issue is racist , Lupone does not have to tolerate being called a racist over a sound issue at a theater which practically shares walls. Kecia is literally the racist in this incident and nobody has to tolerate her bigoted garbage in a professional environment. Lupone should due her for character assassination, defamation of character- I would if I was in get position . Racism should never be accepted from anyone. Kecia Lewis is a total bigot , let’s be real"



she is “literally” not a racist. If you want to discuss prejudice, that is one thing. Racism is another. Please educate yourself even a little bit, ffs

Dolly80 said: "This whole thing will cause Audra to win the Tony."

She already has a wild amount. For better performances. She doesn’t deserve one for this subpar production and performance.

It will go to Scherzinger. More than rightfully so, IMO.

Updated On: 5/30/25 at 11:12 PM

iluvtheatertrash said: "she repeatedly engaged with pro life posts on social media.”



She did WHAT????



KILL HER!!!!

bdn223 said: "SmokeyLady said: "DanS3 said: "Papi2013 said:

I don't think he was saying Audra didn't deserve to win for Bess, he was saying it was a nailbiter between Jan Maxwell and Aurda, similar to how its seemingly a nail biter between Nicole and Audra this year...and it was potentially that controversy in the final days that pushed her over the top."



A nailbiter between Jan Maxwell and Audra McDonald? Huh? Wait a minute!!!! What manner of revisionist history is this? Maxwell was well-reviewed in Follies, but Audra was a shoo-in for the Tony for Porgy and Bess. This was the year McDonald also won the Outer Critics, Drama Desk and Drama League (an award one can only win once in her career). If you can find one article that predicted a Jan Maxwell victory the 2012 Tony for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, let me know.

...some of y'all don't got real comfortable playin' with Audra around here...but you will NOT rewrite history, Hon. Nope.

bdn223 said: "SmokeyLady said: "DanS3 said: "Papi2013 said:

I don't think he was saying Audra didn't deserve to win for Bess, he was saying it was a nailbiter between Jan Maxwell and Aurda, similar to how its seemingly a nail biter between Nicole and Audra this year...and it was potentially that controversy in the final days that pushed her over the top."



A nail-biter between Jan Maxwell and Audra McDonald? Huh? Wait a minute!!!! What manner of revisionist history is this? Maxwell was well-reviewed in Follies, but Audra was a shoo-in for the Tony for Porgy and Bess. This was the year McDonald also won the Outer Critics, Drama Desk and Drama League (an award one can only win once in her career). If you can find one article that predicted a Jan Maxwell victory for the 2012 Tony for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, let me know.

...some of y'all don't got real comfortable playin' with Audra around here...but you will NOT rewrite history, Hon. Nope.