He Sold the Show Then Took the Stage

There’s something magical about stories that unfold quietly before they shine. In Elf: The Musical, Buddy spends his life searching for where he truly belongs, a journey that closely mirrors Patrick Johnson’s own path, built behind the scenes, fueled by persistence, and guided by a deep love for the craft.

Whitney recently sat down with Patrick for a Zoom interview, and what unfolded was a reminder that success rarely arrives overnight. A recent graduate of the Chicago College of Performing Arts, Patrick proudly calls Chicago home. But, before stepping onto a national stage, he spent years supporting the theater world from another angle entirely.

In 2021, Patrick applied to work as an usher with Broadway In Chicago. Instead, he was hired as a subscription sales agent, a role he held for four years, all while auditioning, training, and believing his moment would come. Patrick shared that he went on roughly 80 auditions before landing Elf. “There’s such a natural love for it,” he explained. “When I started doing theater, something just clicked. It’s like true love, when it feels correct.”

Now, Patrick is dancing his heart out as part of the ensemble on the national tour, while also understudying Buddy the Elf and the store manager. After rehearsing in New York and bringing the full production together in Ohio, the cast officially hit the road. Patrick’s joy for the show shines through in every detail, even down to his favorite Buddy line, a playful reminder of why Buddy is the embodiment of unapologetic joy.

Patrick’s story is a powerful reminder that finding your identity is not just about talent, but grit, timing, and believing in the part of yourself that is still becoming. Role by role, Patrick Johnson is stepping into his spotlight, and inviting others to believe in theirs too.

Watch Patrick and Whitney’s conversation below or catch it streaming now on the PBS app.