Hometown: Hopewell Junction, NY
Education: BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University (kind of ironic, considering the plot of our show)
Select Credits: Xanadu (Euterpe, Kira/Clio Understudy, Broadway); The Little Mermaid (Ariel, the MUNY); Jane Austen's Emma (Emma Woodhouse-a musical adaptation written by Paul Gordon, Old Globe Theater)
Why theater?: I love being in front of a live audience and doing a different show every night depending on what mood they are in, and where they laugh, and how they react and applaud. It's almost like a very indefinite science, because you have to be so focused and spot on to be able to determine what they want in that split second and give it to them. I also love singing, and there isn't really a better place to do it than on Broadway!
Tell us about Lysistrata Jones: Lysistrata as the character is a cheerleader, both literally and figuratively. She has so much energy and really feels great having somewhere to direct that energy. She hasn't had the easiest last few years, so when she transfers schools to Athens University, she sees it as her opportunity and her mission to make the world a little bit better and make everyone feel proud of themselves by inspiring the boys basketball team to win a game, which they haven't in 33 years! But that of course backfires on her when the boys resist her plan, and she has to rally the girls together to take drastic measures to get the boys to win a game. She holds on for as long as she can, and ultimately can't turn her back on her friends and having hope.
What is it like being a part of Lysistrata Jones?: It's one of the hardest, most wonderful, exhausting, fantastic experiences I have ever had. I sleep so well at night, it's ridiculous. We have such a bond at the theatre that started downtown at the Gym at Judson (where we did the Off-Broadway run), and then our bond expanded to include the wonderful people we work with on Broadway. We have a wonderful family, and an awesomely imperfect one. We are all learning from each other every day and making mistakes and being inspired, so there is a lot of love at that theatre.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as artists?: I love most theatre actually! There is very little theatre that I don't like. I love musicals, plays, revivals, new ideas, theatrical experiences, everything! The only kind of theatre that doesn't speak to me is the kind when you can't see the love and sweat and tears that was poured into it. If it seems mechanical, it's probably not for me. But one of the best things about theatre is that you can see the passion onstage as everyone works, so that speaks volumes to me.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: I am dying to do a revival of Crazy For You playing opposite my husband, Curtis Holbrook! That is my absolute dream. I would also love to play Ellen in Miss Saigon and the Narrator in Joseph..., which are holdovers from when I was first learning about musicals.
What’s your favorite showtune?: Probably "On the Street Where You Live" from My Fair Lady. It's just so simple and romantic!
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Anyone and everyone that I can learn from. Bernadette Peters instantly comes to mind. But really, any actor who can teach me something, which is every actor.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I would play myself!! Of course :) It would be called "Eternal Cheerleader"
What show have you recommended to your friends?: I have recommended Once to my friends at NYTW, and also Lysistrata Jones, of course!
What’s up next?: Hopefully a long and healthy run of LJ with some workshops and readings thrown in to keep working on the new theatre. I am involved with a new musicaled called Citizen Ruth, based on the movie starring Laura Dern, and it is just brilliant. It is written by Mark Leydorf and Michael Brennan, and directed by Dan Knechtges, who directed LJ. I also am hoping for a wonderful future life of Emma, the musical I did at the Old Globe in San Diego this past winter, written by Paul Gordon and directed by Jeff Calhoun.
For tickets to see Patti and the amazing cast of Lysistrata Jones, visit http://www.lysistratajones.com/
