by Chris Peterson
Allegations of discriminatory treatment at The Lyric Baltimore during a May 10 performance of West Side Story have prompted the venue’s Board of Trustees to hire an outside law firm to investigate the incident.
The allegations were detailed in an open letter published by Dr. Chrissy M. Thornton, president and CEO of Associated Black Charities, who said her organization stands with Veronica N. Dunlap, Esq., MBA, and her son, Massawa El, following what Thornton described as “deplorable and discriminatory treatment” at the venue.
According to Thornton’s letter, Dunlap and her son were escorted by a Lyric usher to seats that later turned out to be incorrect. During intermission, another patron and companion allegedly confronted them, accused them of stealing the seats, and asked that they be removed.
Thornton alleges that rather than immediately addressing the seating error and de-escalating the situation, venue security focused on removing Dunlap from the performance space.
The letter also criticized the alleged response from The Lyric’s CEO and general manager, Thomas Bailey. Thornton wrote that Dunlap was characterized as “aggressive,” while the other patrons involved were allegedly offered an apology, refund, and complimentary tickets.
Thornton called on The Lyric to issue a public apology, provide compensation, conduct a transparent review, hold leadership accountable, implement mandatory training, and adopt a clear non-discrimination and patron-protection policy.
Seating errors are not unusual in theaters, but the allegations raised in Thornton’s letter have sparked broader concerns about how performing arts venues handle patron disputes, particularly when race and perceived bias are involved.
The incident allegedly occurred during West Side Story, a production centered in part on race, belonging, prejudice, and conflict. That context has added to the public concern surrounding the allegations and the venue’s response.
In a statement circulated online, The Lyric said its Board of Trustees has retained the law firm Mintz to conduct an investigation into the May 10 incident. Former Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron will lead the review, joined by Mintz attorneys Michelle N. Lipkowitz and Natashia Tidwell.
According to The Lyric, the investigation will review the incident itself, as well as the venue’s applicable policies, procedures, and service agreements with vendors.
“In commissioning this work, Board Chair Stephen Palmer stressed the seriousness of the concerns raised and the critical need for an objective and thorough review to establish the facts and evaluate where changes may be needed,” the statement reads.
The Lyric also said it is committed to “the highest professional standards” in its treatment of patrons and employees, and to the “fair and equitable treatment of every person who comes through our doors.”
For me, one of the larger takeaways from this situation is the importance of proper de-escalation training for theater staff.
Seating issues and patron disputes can happen in any venue, but how staff respond in those moments matters.
We will continue to monitor this story and update as needed.