McDonald was just nominated for a Tony for playing Rose in Gypsy, a role that LuPone previously won a Tony for. When the latter was also asked about McDonald’s current production of Gypsy, Schulman wrote that LuPone stared at him for 15 seconds in silence, before turning to look out the window and sighing, “What a beautiful day.”

What started the tension between Audra McDonald and Patti LuPone? LuPone and MacDonald have known each other for decades. The two veteran actors have shared the stage several time

Audra McDonald, who's nominated at the 2025 Tony Awards for her "Gypsy" role, is responding to Patti LuPone's recent statements to The New Yorker.