Patti LuPone Shares How She Stops Cellphone Users During Shows — Including a Time She ‘Palmed a Phone’ Mid-Show

Patti LuPone’s Ingenious Way of Dealing with Cellphone Users During Shows

Award-winning actress Patti LuPone has revealed her clever tactics for dealing with audience members using cellphones during her Broadway performances. The Tony winner shared an incident where she even physically intervened to stop a woman from texting during a show, showcasing her zero-tolerance approach to distractions in the theater.

In a recent interview with George Clooney for Variety’s “Actors on Actors” Broadway edition, LuPone, 76, explained how she keeps a close eye on the audience to spot any rule-breakers. She emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and connection with the audience, which is why she doesn’t hesitate to address cellphone usage promptly.

LuPone recalled an incident during the production of “Shows for Days” at the Lincoln Center, where she noticed a woman texting right from the beginning of the show. Taking matters into her own hands, quite literally, LuPone deviated from her usual routine of shaking hands with the front row and instead approached the woman, discretely confiscating her phone to the visible surprise of the audience.

The actress explained that while some spectators gasped at her bold move, others applauded. Instead of confronting the woman directly, LuPone handed the phone to the assistant stage manager, highlighting the disruptive nature of cellphone use in live performances. Her co-star from the same production, Michael Urie, humorously recounted the incident on New York Live, emphasizing LuPone’s unwavering stance on maintaining the sanctity of the theatrical experience.

LuPone’s dedication to her craft and her audience was further illustrated in her statement to Playbill, where she expressed feeling “defeated” by the intrusion of cellphones in the theater. She raised concerns about the impact of such distractions on the immersive world that actors strive to create on stage, pointing out the disrespectful behaviour of some audience members engrossed in their phones.

Despite the challenges posed by technology in modern theatre, LuPone remains committed to her art. However, the actress openly questioned her future in the industry, reflecting on the frustration caused by disruptive audience members. Her unwavering commitment to the integrity of live performances serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the boundaries set by artists to ensure a seamless and immersive theatrical experience for all.

LuPone’s experience sheds light on the ongoing battle against distractions in live theatre and the need for audience members to be mindful of their surroundings. Through her candid accounts of dealing with cellphone users, she not only highlights the challenges faced by performers but also underscores the collective responsibility of fostering a conducive environment for both artists and audiences to engage in the magic of live entertainment.