Patti Murin Is Ready to Pass the Frozen Torch to the Next Anna

In the corporate world, employees leaving a job are often asked to sit through an exit interview with HR about their time at the company. That concept doesn’t exist for Broadway performers, but we love checking in with stars as they finish up a successful run. Patti Murin will play her final performance in Disney’s Frozen on Broadway on February 16. Before her turn as the lovable Princess Anna, Murin made her Broadway debut in the roller-skating disco musical Xanadu and led the boisterous Lysistrata Jones on the Great White Way. Her other stage credits include playing Glinda on tour with Wicked, Shakespeare in the Park’s Love’s Labour’s Lost and Fly By Night. She is also known for playing Dr. Nina Shore on NBC's Chicago Med. Here, Murin tells us the secret to Frozen’s magic.

How did you feel when you first got this job?
It was about a year between the first reading and the workshop that led the show to Denver and Broadway, so I honestly felt a lot of relief. I wasn't sure over the course of that year whether I would actually be originating the role through the entire process, so when I got the news that I was going to be Princess Anna on Broadway, I was absolutely thrilled.

How do you feel now that you’re leaving?
While I'm sad to be leaving the show and the role, I'm ready to pass the torch. I'll miss my family at the St. James most of all. I'm in the lucky position to have originated the role, so I get to be "the girl on the cast album" forever, no matter what. I've been so fortunate to have had this almost four-year long experience, so it's silly to be too sad. As Winnie the Pooh says, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

What are three words you would use to describe your experience?
Whirlwind, dreams, love.

What was the easiest thing about this job?
Coming into the theater every single day. Every single person in that building was a different kind of joy to be around. I never called it "work" because it really wasn't.

What was the hardest thing?
Handling the schedule and my general health. Working six days a week is a lot for anyone, and eight shows a week can really take a toll on your physical and mental health over time. Self-care is one of the most important, yet hardest, things to keep on top of, but it's imperative with a job like this.

What was the highlight of your time at this job?
Being able to represent what Frozen and this character has meant for so many people. From the smallest to the tallest humans, just being able to be their Princess Anna has been an absolute gift. The smiles and tears of joy say it all.

What skills do you think are required for future job applicants?
Passion. This industry is not for the faint of heart, but if you absolutely love it and can't imagine doing anything else, your chances of success increase exponentially. Also, singing is a plus.

What advice would you give to future employees in your job position?
Breathe. Make it a point to take a moment every so often to look around and appreciate things both big and little, especially if things get difficult. Be kind to yourself.

How do you think you’ve grown?
I know who I am as a person now better than I ever have before.

Why are you leaving?
It's time to move on to different projects!

What will you miss the most?
The people. They're the true magic of Frozen on Broadway.