Members of a climate justice group called Extinction Rebellion created a disturbance mid-way through a Broadway performance of "An Enemy of the People" on Thursday and a star in the play, Michael Imperioli ("The Sopranos," "The White Lotus"), took matters in his own hands to personally eject one of the activists, all while remaining in character.
According to coverage of the fracas by various outlets, as well as videos from all angles posted to social media by a number of attendees, the group made themselves known during a scene featuring "Succession" actor Jeremy Strong, shouting out, “There is no Broadway on a dead planet.” And as things escalated, with one activist identifying himself as a theater artist, Imperioli shouted back, “Go back to drama school!”
Exiting the stage to help security push out one of the activists, Imperioli earned a hoot of “Christopher!,” from a woman seated for the event, in reference to his character on "The Sopranos," Christopher Moltisanti.
Climate protesters disrupt @AnEnemyPlay onBroadway tonight, some shouting “there’s no theater on a dead planet.” Actors Jeremy Strong and Michael Imperioli stayed in character the whole time. pic.twitter.com/htP86s0oDn
— Jennifer Vanasco (@JenniferVanasco) March 15, 2024
"Tonight was wild," the actor wrote in a post to Instagram in response to the disruption. "No hard feelings Extinction Rebellion crew. Michael is on your side but Mayor Stockmann is not," creating a distinction between himself and his character in the Henrik Ibsen revival.
BREAKING NEWS: Goodfellas and Sopranos actor removes activist from Broadway theatre in a no nonsense, Christopher Moltisanti style, reaction.
— The Sopranos Club (@TheSopranosClub) March 15, 2024
RT if you agree with the actions of the brave Spider and Chris actor, Michael Imperioli, pic.twitter.com/3ucxGt1Efr
