Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Education: BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts
Select Credits: Jane Toppan in Ambition: The American Female Serial Killer Musical (Ars Nova/Paradise Factory)
Why theater?: I chose theater as a kid because I simply loved it. And even through career shifts and challenges, that’s the main reason I continue! It's fulfilling and full of passion.
Who do you play in FRIENDS?: Rachel Green
What is it like being a part of FRIENDS?: Definitely fun and silly and exhilarating. Moving from rehearsals into performing 6 times a week was a whirlwind process with a lot of trial and error. I think everyone felt pressure to pay homage to these characters. But now that they’re a part of our daily life, we get to show up and have fun and re-live everyone’s 90s fantasy every day: it’s pretty amazing.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I really love musical theater. Even if it’s “cheesy.” I love suspending my disbelief and going on a ride with a story brought to life by music. As an artist, writers inspire me, other actors inspire me, art in general inspires me. So many people out there choose to create and I think that’s one of the most important parts of life, even if it's creating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, and honestly, Rachel Green has been a big one ever since I was a kid and watching “Friends” on air. I didn't know it'd be a "role" per say, but I just loved her so much.
What’s your favorite showtune?: Just cause I’m still not over it “Wait For It” from Hamilton
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I mean, the list is long, but Sondheim, for sure.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Hmmm, Emma Stone? Brie Larson? It'd be called something like, "I'd Be Friends with Her, If I Could Just Catch Her" (which is something I said when I was 5 years old)
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Ooh, I’d love to see the original Gypsy with Ethel Merman. My ballet teacher from college was also in it at age 17.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Theater: Spongebob The Musical! I haven't seen it yet but I'm dying to. TV: “Nathan For You” is one of my absolute favorites.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Anything with chocolate. Or when the other women from the show (Katie and Lisa) and I sneak off to get Smackery’s cookies on 45th St.
What’s up next?: That’s the beauty of this business! I don’t know! I get to perform and audition and play it day by day. I would love to sharpen my camera skills more. So maybe something in that arena.
For more on Patricia, visit www.patriciasabulis.com
