Patti LuPone Confronts Cell Phone Users in the Audience During Broadway Performances

Patti LuPone, the Tony-winning actress known for her powerful stage presence, has shared how she deals with audience members who disrupt her Broadway performances by using cell phones. During a recent conversation with George Clooney for Variety’s “Actors on Actors” Broadway Edition, LuPone, 76, revealed her sharp “eagle eyes” when it comes to spotting offenders in the crowd.

How Patti LuPone Stops Cell Phone Use During Live Shows

In her candid conversation with Clooney, LuPone discussed the steps she takes when she notices a phone being used in the audience. “When I spot a cellphone, I go to the stage manager. The stage manager calls the house manager, who then sends an usher down. Audiences don’t realize how many times this happens before actors actually stop the show,” she explained.

For LuPone, it’s not just about enforcing rules — it’s about preserving the integrity of the live theater experience. The seasoned actress described her vigilant watch over the audience: “I’m playing to an audience, so I’m constantly looking at them.”

Patti LuPone Takes Matters Into Her Own Hands

LuPone shared a particularly memorable moment from her performance in Shows for Days at the Lincoln Center. One evening, she noticed a woman texting from the very beginning of the show, and LuPone decided to take action. “During a part of the play, I usually shake hands with the first row, but this time I skipped them. I went straight to her, and when she put the phone down, I palmed it,” LuPone recounted.

She added, “Some of the audience gasped; others applauded. I gave the phone to the assistant stage manager, who passed it to the house manager. What I should have done is held onto it and said, ‘If you want your phone back, you need to come down and talk to me.'”

Audience Reaction to Patti LuPone’s Bold Move

The incident became a widely talked-about moment in the theater world, with LuPone’s co-star Michael Urie recalling it on New York Live. Urie humorously remarked, “Patti LuPone will take your phone, and you will deserve it!”

As for LuPone, the experience left her feeling frustrated. In a statement to Playbill, she admitted to feeling “defeated” by the increasing frequency of rude and inconsiderate behavior from audience members. “We work hard on stage to create a world that is being totally destroyed by a few, rude, self-absorbed and inconsiderate audience members who are controlled by their phones,” she said, expressing her concerns about the growing problem of audience distractions.

Broadway Etiquette and the Importance of Respecting Live Performances

Patti LuPone’s bold action in the theater is a reminder of the importance of Broadway etiquette. The rise of smartphones has led to increasing challenges for performers, as audience behavior continues to evolve. LuPone’s story highlights the critical need for respect in live theater spaces, where actors work tirelessly to bring their performances to life.