Patti LuPone Faces Criticism Over Comments on Hell’s Kitchen Sound Levels

Patti LuPone, currently starring in The Roommate at the Booth Theatre, has come under fire for comments regarding sound levels from the neighboring musical Hell’s Kitchen, which features music by Alicia Keys. Kecia Lewis, a cast member of Hell’s Kitchen, addressed LuPone in an emotional Instagram video, accusing the three-time Tony winner of “bullying” and making “racially microaggressive” remarks. In the video, Lewis stated that she was speaking personally and not on behalf of the Hell’s Kitchen cast or production team.

Lewis urged LuPone to consider the impact of her actions and comments, specifically referring to LuPone’s request for sound adjustments at Hell’s Kitchen to reduce noise bleed into The Roommate. Although LuPone sent thank-you flowers to the Hell’s Kitchen sound and stage management teams after the adjustments, Lewis described the gesture as “dismissive and out of touch,” given the situation.

Lewis also mentioned a viral incident in which LuPone allegedly refused to sign a Hell’s Kitchen Playbill, reportedly saying, “They’re too loud.” She expressed concern that referring to a predominantly Black cast musical as “loud” could reinforce negative stereotypes.

These actions, in my opinion, are bullying, offensive, and racially microaggressive, Lewis said, calling on LuPone to consider how her words might impact Broadway’s underrepresented communities. “Ms. LuPone, I respectfully submit to you that you owe us an apology. Not flowers,” she concluded.

In response, The Roommate’s producers issued a statement clarifying the situation, expressing gratitude for the sound adjustments made by Hell’s Kitchen. “On Broadway, these historic buildings were built long before modern amplification and sit side by side, playhouses sharing walls with musical houses. These kinds of sound accommodations from one show to another are not unusual and are always deeply appreciated,” the statement read. They wished Hell’s Kitchen continued success and acknowledged the importance of these collaborative efforts in New York’s close-knit theater community.