Kate Burton in ‘Pen Pals.’ Photo Credit: Russ Rowland.
Emmy and Tony-nominated actress Kate Burton spoke about starring in the Off-Broadway show “Pen Pals.”
“Pen Pals” was directed by SuzAnne Barabas and written by Michael Griffo; it tells the story of two women Bernie (Pauletta Washington) and Mags (Kate Burton) that have been pen pals over a 50-year span.
‘Pen Pals’
On being a part of “Pen Pals,” Burton exclaimed, “It was great. I really had a wonderful time. It was such a great experience. I loved working with Pauletta Washington. I chose to meet with her… that was a big thing for me. I really wanted to meet with her. We had a wonderful time in it.”
“The show ‘Pen Pals’ got deeper and more wonderful as the week went on,” she explained.
Playing Mags
On playing Mags, Burton remarked, “Mags was a lot of fun. It was an interesting character. I spoke with the playwright quite a bit about her. At first, I had an impression of her that she is very outgoing… and I was told by Michael that she is quite shy. It was very interesting to take that character on.”
“It was nice and fun. I really enjoyed it and I liked the idea of it. The nice thing about it is you don’t have to worry about memorizing your lines as much. That means that you can just relax and not be so panicked, and I really loved that,” she acknowledged.
“I think it’s a great thing, and they should continue doing it. I think a lot of actors will enjoy it,” she noted.
Lessons learned from ‘Pen Pals’
On the lessons learned from this play, she shared, “I am of British origin… my family is British, so it is interesting that I get to play a lot of British and Irish people. I always enjoy that, and I feel that’s where I am from, so that feels very comfortable to me.”
“This show gave me the inspiration to be in a play, and ironically enough, I have been offered two plays since ‘Pen Pals’ and now. I am trying to decide which one I want to do,” she added.
Accolades and recognition
Throughout her career, Burton has earned three Tony nominations and three Emmy nominations.
“Those felt great,” she admitted. “I was very grateful for them. The reason you are an actor is because you love doing the work.”
Advice for young and aspiring actors
For young and emerging actors, she said, “My advice is to stay very buoyant. Also, to work on writing, producing, and directing. Don’t just focus on the acting.”
“Focus on being a multi-dimensional artist,” she added.
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, she revealed, “I am not on social media by deisgn, so I am not a part of the digital age. Social media is not a part of my life. I am very particular, and I have chosen not to be involved in it, even though I think social media is very important for other people.”
“While l think it is great for other people, social media is just not for me,” she added.
Stage of her life
On the title of the current chapter of her life, Burton said, “Assessing where I want to live.”
“I am equally divided between Los Angeles and New York,” she noted.
Superpower of choice
If she were to have any superpower, it would be “to stop all wars” and “to guarantee peace in the world.”
Career-defining moments
Regarding her career-defining moments, she shared, “Playing Hedda Gabler and playing Ellis Grey in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.”
Parents as influences
For Kate, talent runs in her bloodline. Kate is the daughter of Richard Burton and Sybil Christopher.
When asked if her parents were influenced on her growing up, she responded, “My mother was probably a little bit more of an influence because I grew up with her, but my father was an influence as well. Your father is always an influence no matter who he is.”
“Mostly, I didn’t want to be an actor until I was a senior in college,” she admitted. “I had other plans.”
Best advice she has ever been given
On the best advice that she has ever been given, she stated, “Your life is the most important thing; not your career.”
Success
On her definition of the word success, Burton expressed, “Success means that my family is healthy and fulfilled.”
Message for her fans and supporters
For her fans and supporters, Burton concluded, “Thank you… it does take a village. My fans are so sweet.”
Read More: Review of “Pen Pals” with Pauletta Washington and Kate Burton.