Kendra White, a senior currently double majoring in psychology and theater arts, plays Penelope Pennywise, one of the lead roles in the university’s upcoming musical production of “Urinetown.”
White states that she can easily relate to her character’s “rambunctious and spunky personality.” She said, “In the story, Penelope is the proprietor of amenity number nine, the filthiest toilet of all of town. She also acts a liaison of the poor and rich by taking money from her customers and letting them in.”
As for the audition process, White remarked, “I played the role before at Summer Stage, Rhode Island, so I’m well-versed in the audition protocol. Despite that fact, it was still nerve-wracking because I didn’t know what to expect.”
In addition, White says that she joined UMass Boston’s production of “Urinetown” because “playing it [her role] a second time is rewarding and makes for great practice.”
“I knew there was going to be a musical hosted by the school, but I didn’t know what specifically,” she said. “The minute I discovered that the Performing Arts Department decided on to perform “Urinetown,” I decided to join immediately.”
This is not White’s first time performing in a production at the university. “The first shows I did at UMass Boston were ‘Spelling Bee’ and ‘Lysistrata.’ In fact, I was involved in theatre for 13 years of my life, and I was president of the Theatre Club last year,” she said. “I’m very compassionate about theatre because I love to personify other characters. I even stay late night to rehearse, instead of doing my papers,” she admitted.
According to White, the long hours and late rehearsals can be challenging. “It goes until 10 p.m. and the shuttle bus doesn’t leave until 10:30 p.m. Another downside is being in school all day, which is exhausting. However, I believe that in the end this hard work will pay off.”
White highly recommends that everyone go see “Urinetown,” which begins Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. in the McCormack Theatre.
Meet the cast: Kendra White as Penelope Pennywise
November 22, 2013

Kendra White