Broadway icon Patti LuPone tells anti-maskers to ‘get the f**k out’ of her show
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 09: Patti LuPone poses at the opening night for Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” on Broadway at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on December 9, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
Broadway star Patti LuPone was recorded telling two anti-maskers to “get the f**k out” during a theatre event.
The video, posted to Twitter on Wednesday (11 May), sees LuPone shouting at the audience members to “put your mask over your nose.”
“That’s why you’re in the theatre, that is the rule,” LuPone continues. “If you don’t wanna follow the rule, get the f**k out!”
One of the anti-maskers then retaliated, screaming back: “I pay your salary!”
LuPone scoffed, calling it “bulls**t”. “Chris Harper pays my salary,” she added.
without further ado… ms. patti lupone pic.twitter.com/rEBB7nfXQ2
— hen (@themascsinger) May 11, 2022
The incident took place during a talkback session starring LuPone and the Broadway cast of Company.
The show’s producer Chris Harper responded to the video in a statement: “Over the course of her storied career, Patti has always had an unshakable bond with the audience, and she takes their role as seriously as her own.
“She is also a fierce advocate for the entire theatrical workforce. We stand with Patti and support her efforts to keep our entire community – from patrons to ushers, safe and healthy so we can keep broadway open,” he continued.
The initial video gained over 10,000 likes on Twitter and is currently at 1.1 million views, with several other users posting recordings the debacle later on.
“So thankful for those who stand up for our right to be protected,” one Twitter user said. “Her anger in that moment was a voice for so many of us forced to cancel our lives so others can express their freedom to not protect others with a simple mask in public.”
Others weren’t so quick to applaud LuPone, with another user saying “I’m sorry but she completely freaked out here. There had to have been a better way to handle that!”
Patti LuPone tested positive for COVID-19 in February. She tweeted saying: “I showed up for Saturday’s matinee, test positive for COVID with three tests. Unfortunately, I’ll be out of the show for 10 days. I’m so sorry.”
LuPone’s Company, directed by Marianne Elliot, is running from 11 March to 30 August. It details the story of Bobbie, a single go-getter living in New York on her 35th birthday party.
Terms and conditions for the production state “everyone in the theatre must wear acceptable face coverings at all times, including during the show, except while eating or drinking in the designated locations”.
“All face coverings must cover the nose and mouth and comply with the CDC guidelines for acceptable face coverings,” it continues.
