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Penguin Rep: Devotion to New Plays
Penguin Repertory Theatre, a charmingly converted barn in Stony Point, NY
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Summer is a great time to leave Manhattan and discover innovative regional theater. This month, head north to Stony Point, N.Y., in Rockland County to visit Penguin Rep, which resides in a charmingly converted 108-seat barn. What sets Penguin apart? Its devotion to new plays, which are given Equity-level productions. In fact, The New York Times dubbed it the “gutsiest little theater.” Though it’s a year-round enterprise, a summer excursion means Penguin’s inventive offerings can cap off a day visiting Bear Mountain State Park, antiquing in Piermont or outlet shopping at Woodbury Commons.
For 31 seasons, artistic director Joe Brancato has brought together award-winning actors to star in plays by notables such as Warren Leight (Side Man) and Arthur Laurents, famed for West Side Story and Gypsy. But loyal audiences recognize the vitality of the company’s calling card—opening its doors to newcomers. Brancato, an acclaimed off-Broadway director, has great instincts. Often he’ll debut a work at Penguin that goes on to enjoy success elsewhere. For example, Allan Knee’s play The Man Who Was Peter Pan was the basis for the Oscar-winning film Finding Neverland, starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, while Cobb was later produced off-Broadway by Kevin Spacey.
Two-thirds of Penguin’s financing comes from ticket buyers; and an additional amount is thanks to donations. Such grassroots support is fitting for the company’s symbol. “I was always a fan of those wonderful creatures,” Brancato says. “Penguins gather and care for each other, are faithful for an entire season with a formal yet friendly appearance. Sounds like Penguin Rep to me.”
There are two productions in August: one for adults, one for kids. From August 15–September 7, the theater presents the New York premier of Ten Percent of Molly Snyder, a high-energy comedy by Richard Strand. One glitch by the Motor Vehicle Bureau turns Molly’s life into a bureaucratic mess. Think Kafka with a sense of humor. Also, August 19–20 is The Vital Theater Company’s presentation of A (Tooth) Fairy Tale for children 6 through 10.
Penguin regulars are big fans of the “Play With Your Food” monthly offering. In summer, audiences enjoy a “brown bag” dinner on the theater’s grounds, catered by a fine local restaurant. Afterward, there is the reading of a new play and an opportunity for post-reading discussion. “Play With Your Food” is scheduled for August 18 and September 8.