Veteran actress Pauletta Washington (“Philadelphia”) chatted about starring in the Off-Broadway show “Pen Pals,” where she is playing opposite Tony winner Priscilla Lopez.
“Pen Pals” was written by Michael Griffo and directed by SuzAnne Barabas. It features a rotating cast of actresses, and it celebrates the power of friendship through handwritten letters that were exchanged over five decades.
Washington on returning to ‘Pen Pals’
On starring in the Off-Broadway play “Pen Pals,” Washington said, “Well, first of all, I’m so happy to be back. I love this piece and I love playing Bernie so much.”
“I know that the audience that comes to see our show loves it every night. The good thing about our show is that the ticket prices are reasonable, and people don’t have to pay over the top. Also, they are getting good theater,” she explained.
“I love this new venue, the DR2 Theatre in Manhattan, better than the previous one we performed ‘Pen Pals’ in. I am happy that they moved it here. It’s perfect and I’m just so happy to be a part of the family,” she elaborated.
Working with Priscilla Lopez
Washington complimented Tony winner Priscilla Lopez, who is playing the role of Mags in this stage production. “Priscilla is really lovely,” Washington admitted.
“Priscilla is just so wonderful; she is so witty and nice. I didn’t think she was witty at first because she is so serious but she has so much charm, wit, and experience. We get along great,” Washington explained.
Washington on playing Bernie
Washington is drawn to playing Bernie because her character is ” so full of life.” “First of all, it’s just exciting… the span of her life is great, from 14 to 50-something,” she said. “It is just beautiful to go through that transition. I love it, I just really do.”
“Bernie’s hopes and dreams, especially her aspirations, are just wonderful and joyful,” she noted. “It’s interesting playing her again this time around because the last time we don’t have enough time to get into the character.”
“Bernie has got some pretty heavy trauma… I came to the conclusion that she didn’t want to be like everybody else she knew, but her parents kind of prohibited her from going on to pursue what she obviously was good at,” she elaborated.
“Then, I think Bernie settled and I think she became like everybody else she knew… I wonder if some of that heartache contributed to her health condition,” Washington inquired.
“Now this time around, I feel like I’ve gotten deeper into who Bernie is,” Washington added.
Lessons learned from this play
On the lessons learned from this play, Washington reflected, “Well, it taught me that I should always regard time and health as important, especially now that I am older.”
“So, it taught me not to disregard anything… the good, the bad, and the ugly. I will use it all for the betterment of maturity,” she added.
Personal life
In her personal life, she has been married to two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington since 1983, and together they have four children: John David, Katia, and twins Malcolm and Olivia.
Stage of her life
Regarding the title of the current chapter of her life, Washington revealed, “Maturing with Humor.”
Washington listed her “faith” as her superpower.
Success
On her definition of the word success, Washington said, “Success is when your work has touched many people, and when people benefit from the work you’ve done.”
Message for her fans and supporters
For her fans and supporters, Washington said, “First of all, thank you for sticking with me, supporting me, encouraging me and just making me a better person.”
“I hope people get the beauty of a relationship from this show,” Washington said. “The work that it takes, and the desire to have a relationship.”
“It takes work, it takes forgiveness, and it takes love… love is at the base of it all,” Washington added.
To learn more about the Off-Broadway show “Pen Pals,” check out the official homepage.
