Kecia Lewis has demanded an apology from Broadway icon Patti LuPone for saying the production Hell’s Kitchen It was “very loud” – a remark that the Tony Award-winning artist described as “bullying” and “micro-aggressive racism.”
In a five-minute video open letter, Lewis – who won a Tony Award this year for her performance in the musical based on the work and upbringing of Alicia Keys – noted that the request came only from her, not the show’s cast or producers.
The soon-to-be-appearing actress CrutchLuPone said he contacted the theater owner about changing the show’s sound cues “because you found it too loud.” Lewis said that after modifying the sound design, LuPone sent flowers to the sound and stage management team as a thank you, explaining the tone image and arrangement. In another instance, Lewis played a clip of LuPone not signing a fan’s playbill Hell’s Kitchensaying “they’re too loud” as a reason for not submitting a signature – an action she considered dismissive. (Hell’s Kitchen and Le Bon chamber are neighboring Broadway productions).
Lewis said: “I wanted to address this, Ms. Lupone, this behavior is, in my opinion, bullying. It’s offensive, it’s racially aggressive, it’s rude, it’s rooted in privilege and morality.” These behaviors also lack the sense of community and leadership of someone like you who has been in the field for so long.
Lewis defined microaggressions – coined by Harvard psychiatrist Chester M. Pierce in 1970 – as “subtle and unintentional comments or actions that convey stereotypes, prejudices, or negative assumptions about someone based on their race.” Microaggressions can seem harmless or minor, but they can accumulate and cause significant stress or discomfort to the recipient. Examples include calling a black show loudly in a dismissive manner.
“Language has power and often shapes perception in ways we may not immediately recognize. Referring to a predominantly Black Broadway show as loud can inadvertently reinforce harmful stereotypes and seems dismissive of the artistry and voices that are celebrated onstage.
While Lewis said that Lupone’s sending flowers “may seem polite,” she ultimately deemed it “unacceptable and out of touch,” especially in light of a formal complaint to the theater.
In concluding her plea, LuPone called for “direct communication, respect for the work being done, and awareness of how actions resonate across diverse teams,” rather than avoiding “meaningful dialog or resolution.” She specifically called on LuPone to consider her veteran status in the industry as a multiple Tony, Olivier, and Grammy Award winner and how she uses her platform, influence, and words.
Lewis posed a series of questions surrounding respectful collaboration and elevating the diversity of Broadway shows, stating that “veterans like you and me can help reflect their influence within the Broadway community in a positive way and foster a culture of respect and empathy.” and inclusion.”
“Ms. Lupone, I respectfully submit that you owe us an apology, not flowers.
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