A Mini Q and A with Jagged Little Pill’s Lauren Patten
Jagged Little Pill has been one of those shows I have turned to during difficult times in these past months in lockdown. So I was ecstatic at the chance to have a mini Q&A with Jagged Little Pill’s star, Lauren Patten. Jagged Little Pill received an astounding 15 nominations at the Tonys this past year and got the opportunity to perform live together recently — safely — after months of being quarantined apart. I took this opportunity to ask questions about Jagged Little Pill, Lauren’s character Jo, and Lauren’s overall experience in performing.
- You’ve mentioned previously that everyone who’s been a part of the Jagged Little Pill production feels like a second family for you. Was there a particular moment where you first felt that familiar feeling or a favorite “family” moment in your interactions with everyone?
I think one of the moments that really sticks out to me is when we moved into the Broadhurst [Theatre], and we all got to stand on the stage for the first time. It was really moving to be with this group of people, knowing all the hard work we had put in to get here, and that we had finally made it to our Broadway theatre. It was very emotional, and I felt bonded to everyone in that moment.
2. You also previously mentioned that you’ve been experimenting more with your gender expression recently, for example with your outfits. Has Jo’s journey with gender expression impacted you in any specific way?
I think that it definitely has, and vice versa. Finding ways that feel good to me to explore my gender expression has helped inform the direction of the costuming for Jo, and there have been many times when I’ve gone out and bought something really similar to what Jo wears because I feel good in it.
3. I know you finished a great Creative Writing program at the New School, has that impacted your approach to reading a script, and therefore your performance?
Yes, that’s a big part of why I wanted a degree in either English or Creative Writing. I wanted to be able to analyze and break down a script confidently on my own, and to express my opinions about a script. It’s helped me feel more confident contributing to the development of a new work, rather than feeling like I didn’t have anything worthwhile to say.
4. What’s something you discovered about Jo as a character that you didn’t see in the character until you played the part more and got a chance to figure her out?
You Oughta Know changed a lot for me over time. It was easy to tap into the anger right away because that’s what everyone associates with the song, but as I had more time with it, I discovered many more layers. I realized that there was some joy and triumph for Jo in that song, because it was the first time she was really standing up for herself and allowing herself to take up space.
5. And finally, if you could give yourself one compliment, no matter how big or small, and say this is something I am the best at, what would you say?
I love this question! We all need to be more comfortable owning our strengths. I think I’m a really good listener. I like to show up for my friends in that way, to hear them out and make sure they know they aren’t alone.
Thank you so much to Lauren for answering my questions! Jagged Little Pill is an absolutely incredible story weaving together Alanis Morissette’s amazing music and the storytelling of the Healy family as they go through many struggles and realizations. It touched my heart and moved me greatly, and I think it’s a story everyone needs to experience right now. Please check out the amazing cast album available on all streaming platforms, and the recent performances the Jagged Little Pill cast did, along with many other Broadway musical casts for One Night Only: The Best of Broadway here. And if you’re interested in keeping up with Lauren and any projects she may do in the future, check her website out here! I think the only proper way to conclude, especially in the new year, is with the last chorus of the last song in the Jagged Little Pill musical program, You Learn.
You grieve you learn
You choke you learn
You laugh you learn
You choose you learn
You pray you learn
You ask you learn
You live you learn.
