There were divisions over the weekend in the E Street Band as to whether the cast of Hamilton were right to read a statement out to future Vice-President Mike Pence who was attending the multiple award-winning Broadway production.
“A guy comes to a Broadway show for a relaxing night out,” Steve Van Zandt reflected on Twitter. “Instead he gets a lecture from the stage! Not a level playing field. It's bullying. You don't single out an audience member and embarrass him from the stage. A terrible precedent to set. Theater should be a safe haven for Art to speak. Not the actors. He needs to apologize to Mike Pence.
“Please don't misunderstand. Everyone who is sane disagrees with his policies. This was not the time or place to do it is all I'm saying. Bigotry is obviously never acceptable. I am saying it is a bad precedent for actors to start addressing audience members!”
Taking a different tack, Nils Lofgren messaged: “It is ok to disagree. The audience had the freedom to boo. The statement was truth to power. This is America. Everywhere and anytime you can raise your voice is appropriate, especially right now.”
Challenged by Trump/Pence supporters, the guitarist tweeted the latter’s record on LGBTQ matters.
Then, addressing what Trump has in store for the US’ Muslim community, Lofgren said: “I guess we are going to have to register as Muslim. Just to confuse the imbeciles.”
Judging by the photo Patti Scialfa posted yesterday, it seems her and the hubby are siding with Nils!

#hamilton #hamiltonmusical Sunday matinee-- Raise a glass to freedom #freedomofspeech

A photo posted by Patti Scialfa (@officialrumbledoll) on Nov 20, 2016 at 11:37am PST

Here you go. A reason to boo @MikePenceVP wherever, and when ever you want. #HamiltonBway pic.twitter.com/evgkplv8DD

— Nils Lofgren (@nilslofgren) November 19, 2016

It was the most respectful, benign form of bullying ever. But bullying nonetheless. And by the way, human rights must be won, not asked for. https://t.co/JfN4yjq8jM

— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) November 19, 2016