Boomerang has been lucky enough to work with Vinnie Penna since 2004. Audiences have seen memorable performance of his as The Hungry Mother in Eric Overmyer’s NATIVE SPEECH, Bottom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM (2014) and Puck in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (2004), and THE TEMPEST in 2010. He’s currently starring as Pisanio in CYMBELINE (running thru July 19th). He answered a few random questions for us while gearing up for the final four performances of CYMBELINE…
Full Name: Vincent Penna Jr.
Home town: Valley Stream, NY
How many Boomerang shows have you done? Not counting readings, 24-hour festivals, and benefits, this is my fifth Boomerang production (four of which were outdoor Shakespeare productions).
Tell us a little about Pisanio: Pisanio is in a unique position in this play. He’s a regular guy. Not royalty, not particularly military, just a working stiff. Honest and loyal to the point of being dishonest and disloyal if it serves the greater good.
What is your favorite thing about working on Cymbeline? The appeal of Cymbeline is that it’s a later work that defies easy categorization–not necessarily a so-called problem play, like Measure for Measure or The Merchant of Venice. Above all, the language is so beautiful, and reflects the growth and maturity Shakespeare achieved at this juncture in his career.
What’s your favorite place in New York City? I’m not an outdoorsy sort, so I’m tempted to say my favorite place in NYC is my apartment, but that’s boring. I’ll admit to digging the High Line and certain points on the west side Greenway.
In keeping with the spirit of economy, can you give us your 6 word memoir: “Is that a meteor? Run, guys!!!”
CYMBELINE continues performances on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2pm thru July 19th.
Thinking outside the Black Box 