For Patti LuPone it’s as easy as wearing a mask or walking offstage left.
LuPone, 73, wasn’t having it Tuesday after a theater goer didn’t appear to be wearing the mask that covered her nose. During a question-and-answer panel at the American Theater Wing, along with her “Company” co-stars, the “American Horror Story” actress told someone in the audience to “put the mask over your nose.”
In video clips posted on Twitterwhich have quickly gone viral, the legendary Broadway actress went on to scold the patron: “That’s why you’re in the theater. That’s the rule,” she said.
Current vaccination and mask policies for Broadway shows in New York City state that audiences must wear a mask through at least May 31. After April 30, many stopped checking vaccination status, according to the Broadway website. Audience masking protocols for June and beyond will be announced sometime this month, the website states.
“If you don’t want to follow the rule, get the (expletive). I’m serious,” LuPone continued. “Who do you think you are if you don’t respect the people sitting around you?”
The theatergoer was not silent and yelled at LuPone, “I pay your salary.”
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The Tony winner replied, “Do you pay my salary? Chris Harper pays my salary,” she replied, referring to the “Company” producer.
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for LuPone for further comment.
LuPone’s passionate comments come weeks after the Broadway star tested positive for COVID-19 in late February. “Hey dolls. Showed up to saturday matinee, tested positive for covid in 3 tests,” she tweeted at the time. “Unfortunately, I will be out of the program for 10 days. I am very sorry.”
During a March 17 appearance on “The View,” LuPone said he wore a negative COVID-19 test as a “badge of honor for over two years, and the little bugger found me.”
“It could have been worse,” she said, adding that she was thankful for science and vaccines to combat the virus.
“I’m still taking the precautions and I hope they keep the mask mandate in theaters longer… we’re not out of it,” LuPone said.
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While speaking with the hosts of “The View,” LuPone also discussed her return to New York’s Bernard B. Jacobs Theater following her stint with COVID, and how she was greeted with another setback.
During the curtain call for one of the shows, a bouquet of long-stemmed roses was thrown onto the stage and accidentally hit her head. “First of all, it’s a great compliment when you throw roses on stage, it’s a great compliment, so I really appreciate it. However, one should throw under not over and aim at the feet not the head.” head. , and you have to remove the thorns from the roses, ”joked LuPone.
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LuPone was nominated for a Tony Award Monday for best performance by an actress in a featured role in a musical for her role in “Company,” Stephen Sondheim’s musical comedy starring Katrina Lenk.
The Broadway star also received a Tony for her roles in “Evita” and “Gypsy.”
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