So Who was the Photographer Ejected by Patti from "Gypsy"? — Page 2

I don't care if it was a professional photographer or a tourist from Illinois. I don't care if it had been pre-arranged for them to be there or not. I don't care if the 4th wall was first breached by the 'whoever' with the camera or not. And I particularly don't care if she's the biggest DIVA in Broadway history or not. The fact is that when she went out of character (well, out of the Rose character) and started yelling at the guy, she tore down that 4th wall and stopped the show for every single paying customer in that theatre. THAT was unprofessional and uncalled for. She could have stood back stage and had her tantrum with the stage manager and told him that she wouldn't go back onstage until someone got rid of the cameraman. BELIEVE ME - word would have gone immediately to the house manager and that dude would have been taken out. You may find it enjoyable to watch this 59 year old woman act like a 3 year old but if I'd been in the audience I would have demanded my money back. I'm delighted to hear she's being fined for her childish and borish behavior.

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If anything, I would think Patti would be fined (if that is true at all) for continually refusing to listen to the Stage Managers.

I'm sure if that is true, we will hear something.
Equity's response to Piven was quite swift, for Equity, that is.

UGH. I wish we could find out the TRUTH.

But I would trust Pal Joey if he says those stories are fake. PJ has more connections in the industry than most of the sorry haters on here.

"..she tore down that 4th wall and stopped the show for every single paying customer in that theatre. THAT was unprofessional and uncalled for. She could have stood back stage and had her tantrum with the stage manager and told him that she wouldn't go back onstage until someone got rid of the cameraman."

So the show would have been stopped either way.

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Don't tell anybody I told you this, but the photographer was our own jay***. He was just trying to get a shot of the lower right corner of the trumpet soloist's music stand.

If you've read the older versions of the Ask Patti section on Miss Lupone's website, long long long before this incident, she told a reader the 4th wall is more of an issue with plays than with musicals. In case you're wondering about her actual philosophy on the issue.

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I've always thought of a musical as a play (with music).

Straight from the horse's column:

Dear Patti...

Caitlin asks: What is your opinion on breaking the fourth wall? In a recent rehearsal, our director announced to the cast that it was completely inappropriate to ever play to an audience, which is a statement I don't agree with whatsoever. Having seen you onstage, I know that you have a connection with the audience that makes whatever you're in so much more enjoyable.

Patti Answers: It depends on the play and the director's concept. You must never forget why you're on stage and indeed play to the audience but there is a fine line between including them and actually looking out at them. The fourth wall is usually reserved for plays. I hope this helps.

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For what it is worth, I asked how valid the media photographer story was on another thread here regarding the same incident. It was "confirmed" by several members, though no source could be given. According to the story, the photographer was paid off so as not to bad mouth Patti or the Production.

And I agree with Mamie.

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I don't believe the story either. A hired photographer would have been a prominently known presence to the cast.

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. She is an overrated and immature little girl and nothing more.


- I see you have plenty in common with her.

I am wondering the same thing, Phyllis.

As per this article, Patti had detached retinas in both eyes. So if there was a flash, it may have been painful for her to look at it.

http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/1997/07/29/1997-07-29_cry_aargh-entina__lupone_rip.html

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