If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?
Mentalist Vinny DePonto combines theater, immersive storytelling, visual art, and yes, psychological tricks in his show “Mindplay,” coming to the Huntington’s Calderwood Pavilion Nov. 13-Dec. 1. These shows are on the heels of two sold-out and extended runs at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. It will head to an off-Broadway run in New York City after Boston. “This is an interactive experience,” DePonto, 38, said in a recent phone call. “What I tell the audience at the beginning is that thoughts play a major role in the show. A mind reader needs minds to read.” DePonto, who is from Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., said his interest in magic was ignited as a young teenager when he discovered — and then worked at — a magic shop in Hastings-on-Hudson, a neighboring town. “There are a series of tricks I’ve honed over the years to be able to extract thoughts from people,” he said. “And while the idea of mind reading can be scary for audience members, they don’t have to be afraid, since [the experience] exists in the envelope of theater, which is a safe space.” DePonto added that while there is a “structure” to the show, each one is a “unique” experience. “Audiences will see some of the same things, but because minds are different, the shows often take different directions,” he said. “It is an ethereal experience. It is here and it is gone. That is the beauty of theater.” We caught up with DePonto, who lives in LaGrangeville in New York’s Hudson Valley with his wife, Elizabeth, an occupational therapist, to talk about all things travel.
My go-to answer would always be Greece or Italy. I’m of Italian descent and I absolutely love being immersed in Italian culture. My wife is Greek and we try to go every couple of years to a little island where her family is from near Kos, one of Greece’s Dodecanese islands. But if we’re talking a place I’ve never been, I would love to visit Kyoto, Japan. As a theater artist, the precision and elegance of traditional Japanese theater, like Noh and Kabuki, fascinate me. It would be exciting to see their performances and rituals firsthand.
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Enter Email Sign Up
Do you prefer booking trips through a travel agent or on your own?
Advertisement
On my own. The process of researching flights, hidden spots, and local performances feels like crafting a story. It’s all part of the journey, no?
Thoughts on an “unplugged” vacation?
Yes. Immersion is essential in art and life. We often get so trapped in the digital world that we forget how to explore the present moment. An unplugged vacation is a chance to uncover new worlds, to allow new connections to be made in the brain, [and to] not be distracted by the glowing rectangle we stare at day in and day out.
What has been your worst vacation experience?
Getting sick on vacation always puts a damper on things. I once had a stomach virus in Switzerland that didn’t kick in until after we took a gorgeous elevator ride to the top of a beautiful waterfall. The rumbling of the water paralleled the sudden rumbling in my stomach. The elevator was closed to go back down and let’s just say I rudely ran past a lot of people … a long way down. I saw many really beautiful bathrooms in Switzerland.
What is your favorite childhood travel memory?
When traveling, there are times you have to get up at 4 a.m. to make it to the airport for an early flight. I try not to do it a lot, but every time I do, I’m always reminded of when I was 8 and my family and I got an early flight to go to Disney World. I remember being so excited and that same thrill flashes in me in those early hours of the day when preparing to go somewhere new.
Advertisement
Do you vacation to relax, to learn, or for the adventure of it all?
A bit of everything, but mostly to learn. Every place has a story, a hidden play unfolding in the streets. I travel to discover new characters and narratives. New ways to love.
What book do you plan on bringing with you to read on your next vacation?
”Invisible Cities” by Italo Calvino. Each time I read it, it feels like stepping into a new world — a perfect companion for wandering unknown places.
If you could travel with one famous person/celebrity, who would it be?
Federico Fellini. Imagine traveling with that mind. Every town would become a surreal dream; every encounter, a scene from a movie.
What is the best gift to give a traveler?
A beautiful journal, of course. Every trip deserves to be remembered with sketches, scribbles, and reflections.
What is your go-to snack for a flight or a road trip?
I keep it simple. Some fruit like an apple, or banana with some peanut butter.
What is the coolest souvenir you’ve picked up on a vacation?
My wife and I wandered Florence for a few days and came across this mask shop. I bought a Commedia mask (Arlecchino, of course) and a beautiful Pinocchio mask handmade by this old Italian man. Both masks hang on our wall and bring us great joy.
What is your favorite app/website for travel?
I’m a heavy Notes app user. I often ask friends for recommendations before I travel and then compile an itinerary in Apple Notes and add important links, images etc.
Advertisement
What has travel taught you?
That no matter where you go, humans share the same longing to be heard, seen, and loved. Theater can be found everywhere — on trains, in markets, [and] in conversations with strangers.
What is your best travel tip?
Always learn a few phrases in the local language. It’s like opening a small door into people’s hearts. It’s also helpful to learn “Where is the nearest bathroom?”
Juliet Pennington can be reached at writeonjuliet@comcast.net.
Mentalist Vinny DePonto on a good journal, early morning flights, and the Notes app
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Big Tech companies will cover travel expenses for employees’ medical procedures, including abortion
on Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on GameFly Sale Offering Nintendo Switch Sports at a Mind-Blowing Price, Don’t Miss the Opportunity!
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer