By: Lisa Steinberg
Q) Please tell us the premise for the film Friendship.
A) Friendship is a dark comedy that leans into the awkwardness of adult relationships—especially when one person wants more from a friendship than the other. Tim Robinson plays Craig, a lonely guy whose life is kind of unraveling. When he meets his new neighbor, a charismatic weatherman played by Paul Rudd, Craig becomes a little too invested… and things slowly start to get uncomfortable. The comedy really sneaks up on you—it’s subtle, sometimes cringey and grounded in this very real, mundane way that makes it even funnier.
Q) Was there something about the script or your role of Rebecca Springs that drew you to want to be a part of the movie?
A) I loved that Rebecca Springs isn’t exactly who she seems at first. She’s bright and put-together, but then she changes—and that shift really drew me in. The script felt offbeat and yet familiar and I knew I wanted to be a part of it the second I read it.
Q) What was the initial breakdown you received for your character Rebecca?
A) It was pretty minimal—just that she was the host of a morning show where Austin works, and later befriends Tami. That was about it! Sometimes that’s all you get, and the rest you discover as you go. It wasn’t much to go on, which honestly made it kind of fun. You get to fill in the gaps yourself.
Q) With a great cast, were you looking forward to sharing a scene(s) with someone in particular?
A) Absolutely. Tim Robinson really goes for it—he commits in this way that’s fearless and totally his own, which makes watching him kind of addictive. Kate Mara has this grounded, effortless presence and that was exactly my experience working with her on set. Hmm… was there anyone else? Oh right—2021’s “Sexiest Man Alive” – Paul Rudd. He’s exactly as funny and kind as you’d hope. I mean… he’s a superhero, a Ghostbuster and a ’90s teen heartthrob. It’s almost unfair.
Q) Since the movie is a comedy, was there much room allowed for improv in scenes?
A) We really stuck to the script, honestly—it was so well written, there wasn’t much we needed to change. But the set was really open and creative, so there were definitely moments of ad-libbing and improv that made it in. I remember turning to Andy at one point and asking, “How did they let you run a production like this?” It felt like we were in a very professional environment… but also somehow totally unsupervised.
Q) Talk about working with director Andrew DeYoung.
A) Working with Andy DeYoung was such a great experience. He created a really actor-friendly space—collaborative, open and grounded. So much of this film lived in his head before it existed on screen and what was on the page really translated. The final film feels so much like the script, which is a testament to how clearly he saw it from the start.
What really stood out to me was how confidently he approached the comedy. He never spoon-fed laughs or pushed for punchlines—he trusted the characters and the situations to carry the humor. That kind of restraint takes real confidence and it made the performances feel more grounded—and honestly, funnier because of it.
Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to shoot for this film?
A) All of my scenes take place in the newsroom, which felt like its own little aspirational universe—everyone polished, everything under control. I loved stepping into that energy and playing a character who holds her ground in a space like that. I also got to work with all of the leads in those scenes, so it was fun seeing how each of them brought their characters into that polished world.
Q) The movie is out in theaters now. What kind of response have you been receiving from people who have seen the movie already?
A) It’s been so fun hearing how audiences are reacting—people are laughing out loud, but sometimes it’s that slightly uncomfortable laugh where you’re not totally sure if you should be laughing… which is exactly the point. The humor kind of sneaks up on you. It’s not about big punchlines—it’s about the moments that feel a little too real. And that’s what people seem to be loving.
Q) What are the other projects you have been working on?
A) I’m in the middle of releasing my debut pop EP, just / like / this. It’s six songs, unfolding one at a time—one per month—like chapters in a story. The first single, “back / in / time,” is already out and the next one, “^magic^,” drops June 27. The whole project blends nostalgic synth-pop with emotional storytelling and it’s been really exciting to watch it come to life, track by track.
Q) You are a Broadway vet. What show would you love to be a part of in the future and are there any hopes for you returning to the stage soon?
A) Absolutely—Broadway was my first love. I’d come back in a heartbeat for the right role. I’m drawn to shows that hit both musically and emotionally—something bold, maybe even a little unexpected. I’d especially love to originate a role that pushes me into new territory. There’s nothing like the electricity of live performance. It never really leaves your system.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you?
A) Just—thank you. For sticking with me as I explore new sides of my artistry and for showing up whether it’s for a stage, a screen, or a song. I’m so grateful for the support, the curiosity and the excitement around this next chapter. There’s so much more ahead and I can’t wait to share it with you.