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.”

Audra McDonald has responded to Patti LuPone‘s recent disses. Shortly after LuPone said that her fellow Broadway legend was "not a friend," citing a past "rift" between them, McDonald told Gayle King for CBS Sunday Morning,

Audra McDonald has a swift response to Patti LuPone’s interpretation of their relationship, or lack thereof. Speaking with Gayle King for CBS Mornings, the Broadway star discussed LuPone’s claim that the two women are not friends.