COVER STORY

Downers Grove Magazine | Cover Story

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BROADWAY

Once a rising star, Lauren Patten has arrived.

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

2021 was a slow year for most of us. Downers Grove native, Lauren Patten, wasted no time. If you’re a fan of NBC’s Blue Bloods, you’ve seen her alongside Tom Selleck patrolling the streets of the Big Apple as NYPD’s Officer Rachel Witten.

These days, Patten pursues her ambitions under the bright lights of Broadway. There are few artists who have both a Tony and Grammy Award to their name. Patten closed the deal in the same calendar year. Last September, she graciously accepted the Tony for Best Actress in a Featured Roll, for her portrayal of Jo Taylor in Broadway’s Jagged Little Pill. It was one of 15 nominations in the most-ever nominated Broadway production. Her vocals in the jukebox musical based on Alanis Morrisette’s 1995 album also led to a Grammy for Vocalist, Best Musical Theater Album.

Those weren’t her first awards, but they’re the highest honors to date.

For one who has achieved so much, Patten herself is very matter of fact. When asked what led her from DG to Times Square, with a few detours in between, Patten thought for a moment before she replied, “I learned early in life that I love the storytelling aspect of theater and music. I have the chance to grow perspective and empathy, through a bond built with the audience,” she said pensively. Now, dozens of memorable theatrical roles later- and a few television as well- Patten largely credits her family for her success. Patten’s parents, DG residents Jim and Joanne, were acknowledged by their daughter as she accepted her Tony Award. “I thank my parents. They always believed in me from the very beginning,” Patten said.

Downers Grove Magazine Contributing Editor, Maureen Callahan, recently chatted with the actress via Skype from the sofa of her New York apartment.

How did you get started in acting?

In the very beginning, I started acting with community theater groups around Downers Grove. I performed with Grove Players, Children’s Theater of Western Springs and Wheaton Drama. I made my professional debut at 12 years old in A Christmas Carol at The Goodman.

That’s always a hard question, because every time you’re doing something new, you kind of fall in love with the character you’re playing. I’ve really loved the roles I’ve had the opportunity to play on Broadway- Medium Joan in Funhouse and Jo in Jagged Little Pill. Jo is probably the one closest to my heart and spirit, because I put so much of myself into it. I also helped to create that character from the start, as opposed to just stepping into something someone else had written. It was an honor. Actors aren’t usually a part of the creative process of character development.

LAUREN PATTEN AND REBECCA LUKER IN FUN HOME Photo by Joan Marcus

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When did you realize you wanted to do this for a living?

I played Anne Frank with The Rubicon Theater Company in LA early in my career. I was 14 years old. I would say that was when I realized that I wanted to make this my profession. I learned that I really cared about what I was doing and wanted to be good at it.

Jagged Little Pill opened with a local cast in Australia late last year. Is it difficult to see someone else play a role you created?

I accept that it’s kind of part of the process of what happens in theater. The creator- partially me, in the case of Jo- has in mind what they expect from the character, but it’s a conscientious choice not to hold on to what you have created so tightly that there’s no room to ‘hand the character off’ to another actor. Another actor is a completely different person than me, so it’s a shared experience. It’s part of the magic of theater.

How does it feel to have won both a Tony and Grammy for that show?

That was not something I saw coming! (Lauren laughed). I never expected it. Growing up in theater, I definitely never saw that Grammy coming. I grew up watching the Tony Awards thinking ‘wow. What if that ever happened to me?’ But a Grammy? Even though I’m a singer, I never even saw that as accessible. For a long time, vocalists weren’t even considered for that award, but that criterion changed a few years ago. So, it was this lovely, wonderful surprise!

Do you emulate any particular singers?

Alanis, of course. But not just because of the show. Outside of that as well. I listened to a lot, and I mean A LOT of singers growing up that I think helped shape what is vocally possible for me. I really looked up to Judy Garland, Randy Carlisle, Regina Spektor and Bob Seger, among others. Both of my parents are big music lovers. I got a varied musical education just riding in the car with them when I was young. They listened to all sorts of music. I always sang along.

Tell us about your band.

We really don’t have a name (Lauren laughed). It’s kind of a joke among us, that we need a name. It’s myself and three guys who play in pits on Broadway: Mark Shmead, Damian Bassman and Eric Davis. I’m the singer. We perform all sorts of different kinds of music together. I play guitar, too, but I’m kind of shy about it.

What made you decide to try television?

Theater is a deep love, but I always wanted to try television and film as well. There are things you just can’t do on stage that you are able to do on film, and vice-versa.

You had a great run with Blue Bloods. How did you come by the role of Officer Rachel Witten?

I went on an audition for what was supposed to be a one-episode part. I filmed the episode, thanked them and left. Then I got a call back the following season. Apparently, it had bothered Tom Selleck that his character (Commissioner Frank Reagan), fired Officer Witten, (my character). He didn’t like the direction the storyline had taken. He felt Reagan

would not have fired Witten, but rather would have given her another chance. So, because of Tom’s generosity, what was supposed to be a single episode turned into five seasons.

Your schedule must have been crazy- filming the show while also starring on Broadway?

Luckily, Blue Bloods didn’t often film the same days I was performing live, but a few times it did. The days I was needed at both set and stage were a little tough. I would be up at five to be on set early, then hopefully finish rehearsing or filming by mid-afternoon. I’d quickly get something to eat before running to the theater for an evening performance. Thankfully, that wasn’t very often!

LAUREN PATTEN AND TOM SELLECK ON THE SET OF BLUE BLOODS

How was it working with Tom Selleck? What would you say to young people wanting to pursue theatrical arts?

Tom was so kind to me. I was in my twenties and had never had a part on a big show. Next thing I knew, I was doing scenes with a legend. You’re not always sure how big stars will be, and you’re worried you’ll mess things up. He really took care of me. So, like most people, I have nothing but great reviews for him.

Is Tom the boss on the set?

Artistic endeavors are about connection. Even though you start out doing it for yourself, it’s a service to others, too. You need a community you can “Blue Bloods is my favorite set I have worked learn from and depend on. I never felt I was going it on thus far. The people are great. Vanessa Ray and I are good friends now. It was great alone. I’ve always had a very supportive community around me, both professionally and working with her. There were more than a few tears my last day on the set. The writers kind personally. But it was a twoway street. It was about me supporting others as well. You of left the door open, when my character left the NYPD, though, so we’ll see what happens.” also need drive. My parents have their own business and work really hard. It was a great — LAUREN PATTEN example to me.

Tom had a lot of influence over the script, plot lines and story endings. So, yes. Definitely. He’s such a TV legend. We weren’t on set together that often, unfortunately. It’s kind of a segmented set. All the main characters have storylines, which are filmed on different days. I was part of Vanessa Ray’s (Eddie Reagan) storyline, so we were always on set the same days. I would very rarely see Donny Wahlberg, and most of the others, for example, but I did cross paths with Will Estes (Jamie Reagan) several times. My character worked in the same ‘house’ (police station) as his.

I guess I don’t need to ask if you miss it?

Blue Bloods is my favorite set I have worked on thus far. The people are great. Vanessa Ray and I are good friends now. It was great working with her. There were more than a few tears my last day on the set. The writers kind of left the door open, when my character left the NYPD, though, so we’ll see what happens. Most of the cast and crew have been with the show since season one. It’s now in its twelfth season if that tells you anything about the culture of that set.

Are there any actors that particularly influenced you?

I’ve always enjoyed observing actors who do a variety of things in both film and television, and theater as well. Laura Linney is someone like that. Cate Blanchette, also. Audra McDonald was someone with whom I really identified. It was amazing working with her on the set of The Good Fight. She’s the only actor who has won Tony awards for all possible categories in musicals and plays.

I read that you have a degree in Creative Writing. Ever thought of script writing?

I’m starting to dabble in it. Mostly, I enjoy writing personal essays. Getting my college degree was very important to me. I spent a year at NYU, but it’s crazy expensive and getting aid can be tricky. Ultimately, I graduated from The New School.

Anyone you would want to shout out to?

My teachers from Belle Aire School. They’re a very supportive group. They have come to my shows. And my nephews, Jimmy and Henry. They’re my guys. (Lauren smiled).

Patten builds a palpable connection with audiences, as well as the theater community. Follow the link to share this moment with Patten and other notable Broadway personalities in a touching tribute to long-time Broadway lyricist and composer, Stephen Sondheim, on Times Square: https://playbill.com/article/watch-linmanuel-miranda-sara-bareilles-more-membersof-the-broadway-community-celebrate-sondheim. Next time you’re on Broadway, be sure to find her in your playbill. ■