Every month, a fabulous actor/singer/dancer fills out editor Matthew Wexler’s nosey little questionnaire and offers a glimpse of what he looks like from a bit closer than the mezzanine. After more than 6,000 performances, Broadway will bid a fond farewell to Mamma Mia! on September 12 — but not before we profile the adorable Patrick Ortiz… Mamma Mia, indeed!
(Photo provided by Patrick Ortiz)
Name:
Patrick Ortiz
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Mamma Mia! takes place on the Greek island of Kalokairi — where would your ultimate wedding destination be and why?
I would have to say Riviera Maya, Mexico—because like the Greeks, Mexicans know how to throw a fun and memorable wedding.
(photo: Dave Mack, provided by Patrick Ortiz)
Donna, Rosie, or Tanya – if you could swap roles for a night, which one would you be and why?
Even though Donna gets all the amazing songs, I feel like having to deal with seeing three of my exes and my daughter’s wedding would be a little exhausting. I’d much rather be Tanya. She’s proper, dresses well, flirts, and has a great, upbeat song.
After more than 6,000 performances, how do they keep those wetsuits clean?
I still don’t know! But after a two-show day they’re not as fresh as some people would like.
If I wasn’t a performer, I would be:
A chef. My family owns a restaurant in Chicago named El Jardin so I grew up around that atmosphere and cooking. Also, I love incorporating my artistic side into recipes and the presentation of food.
Places, Intermission or Curtain Call?
Curtain call is so much fun! What other show has a full-out concert at the end where everyone gets up and dances? It makes my job the best one in the world.
Patrick Ortiz (photo: Dave Mack, provided by Patrick Ortiz)
The best post-show cocktail in New York City is at:
I enjoy the Rum House attached to the Hotel Edison at 227 47th Street between 8th Avenue and Broadway. The bar features old speakeasy-type signature cocktails and they have live jazz most nights. You can’t beat that after seeing a good musical.
After you’ve hit all the traditional sites of New York City, you should totally go to:
The High Line. It’s an old elevated railroad track that has been transformed into a walking park with all kinds of little kiosks and entertainment. It’s also a great place to escape the city noise and chaos.
(Photo provided by Patrick Ortiz.)
If I could live anywhere else in the world it would be:
Tokyo, Japan. I visit there while I was on tour with West Side Story and I absolutely fell in love with the culture, the people, and the technology. It was amazing!
My workout “secret” is:
Eat right and stay consistent. I’ve found that eating healthy is more than half the battle. Also, just having a consistent exercise routine will give you results. You don’t need to have crazy, intense workouts or extreme diets to achieve your goals.
When I’m looking for a date, nothing attracts me more than:
Confidence with humility. There’s nothing worse than an ego.
My favorite website to visit that you may not have heard of is:
I only use the Internet for Netflix and Google!
People would be surprised to learn that I . . .
Love to sail! I take sailing trips and travel for weeks at a time. There’s nothing like living on the sea.
When I was 10, I wanted to be just like:
Cobi Jones from the U.S. soccer team. I played soccer for 14 years and thought he was the coolest. He also has amazing hair.
(Photo provided by Patrick Ortiz.)
Mamma Mia!’s final performance is September 12, what’s the first thing you’ll want to do on September 13?
Sleep in all day and go to a spa to get a massage!
Ten years from now I’d like to be:
Married with kids and teaching dance or theater. I remember how much my teachers inspired me to perform and it led me to a career performing on Broadway. I hope to be able to continue that and inspire the next generation.
Mamma Mia!
Broadhurst Theatre
235 West 44th Street
Through September 12
Say goodbye to the boys of Mamma Mia!…
The boys of ‘Mamma Mia!’ (photo: Dave Mack, provided by Patrick Ortiz)