Patti LuPone talks phones, Broadway woes

By MARK KENNEDY

AP Drama Writer

NEW YORK

It’s a theatrical mix that’s positively combustible – Patti LuPone and cellphones.

The Tony Award-winning actress has never been shy about confronting audience members whose phones go off or who have the gall to text during shows. But the rudeness never stops.

On Wednesday, LuPone endured the buzz of hearing aids improperly turned up and several ringing phones during the matinee of “Shows For Days” at Lincoln Center. That evening, she caught someone texting during the play and swiped the phone out of the patron’s hand.

In between, she sat down with The Associated Press to talk about Douglas Carter Beane’s loving look at a local community theater troupe in Pennsylvania. LuPone, who is married to cameraman Matt Johnston, plays a self-obsessed diva in the play at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theatre.

Q. What’s wrong with people? No matter how many warnings about phones needing to be shut off, they keep ringing.

A. It threw me today. I went up on my lines. It generally doesn’t throw me. But there was so much noise out there. I didn’t know where it was coming from or why.

Q. This issue doesn’t go away. I think I’ve only been to a handful of shows where a phone hasn’t gone off.

A. Why is it even on? I dare people to spend two hours without any electronic equipment.

Q. Some of the angriest people are not onstage — they’re fellow audience members.

A. I thought about saying something at the curtain call but then I’m preaching to the choir.

Q. OK, let’s move on to this play, which smartly lampoons community theaters without drawing blood.

A. I think laughter is the best medicine. And I don’t think Doug was making fun. I didn’t read it that way. Because I’m in the business, I’ve see histrionic people. It’s their personality. It’s what they choose to be. You just marvel at them. You accept them.

Q. Would you recommend young actors pay their dues at community theaters?

A. It depends on the quality. You can also get messed up. You have to have good teachers in the very beginning of your desires. I had great teachers.