Mentalist Vinny DePonto on a good journal, early morning flights and the Notes app

Mentalist Vinny DePonto combines theater, compelling storytelling, visual art and yes, psychological tricks in his show “Mindplay,” coming to Huntington’s Calderwood Pavilion from November 13 through December. 1. These shows follow two sold-out and extended runs at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and the Arena Stage in Washington, DC. After Boston, it goes to an Off-Broadway run in New York City. “This is an interactive experience,” DePonto, 38, said in a recent phone conversation. “What I tell the audience at the beginning is that thoughts play a big role in the show. A mind reader needs thoughts to read.” DePonto, a native of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., said his interest in magic was sparked as a young teenager when he discovered — and subsequently worked at — a magic shop in Hastings-on-Hudson, a neighboring town. “There are a number of tricks I’ve honed over the years to get thoughts out of people,” he said. “And while the idea of ​​mind reading may be frightening to audience members, they need not fear as (the experience) is in the realm of theater, which is a safe space.” DePonto added that while there is a “structure” to the show, each show is a “unique” experience. “Audiences will see some of the same things, but because the minds are different, the shows often go in different directions,” he said. “It’s an ethereal experience. It’s here and it’s gone. That’s 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 all things travel.

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

My go-to answer would always be Greece or Italy. I am of Italian descent and love being immersed in Italian culture. My wife is Greek and we try to go every few years to a small island where her family is from, near Kos, one of the Greek Dodecanese Islands. But speaking of a place I have never been, I would like to visit Kyoto, Japan. As a theater artist, the precision and elegance of traditional Japanese theater, such as Noh and Kabuki, fascinate me. It would be exciting to see their performances and rituals firsthand.

Do you prefer to book your trips through a travel agency or yourself?

On my own. The process of researching flights, hidden places and local performances feels like creating a story. It’s all part of the journey, right?

Are you thinking of an “unplugged” holiday?

Yes. Immersion is essential in art and life. We often get so caught up in the digital world that we forget how to explore the present moment. An unplugged holiday is a chance to discover new worlds, to make new connections in the brain, (and to) not be distracted by the glowing rectangle we stare at day in and day out.

What was your worst holiday experience?

Getting sick on holiday always puts a damper on things. I once had a stomach virus in Switzerland that only developed after we took a beautiful 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 for going back down and let’s just say I rudely ran past a lot of people…a long way down. I have seen many very beautiful bathrooms in Switzerland.

What is your favorite travel memory from your youth?

When you travel, there are times when you have to get up at 4 am to get to the airport for an early flight. I try not to do it often, 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 excitement flashed within me in those early hours of the day as I prepared to go to a new place.

Are you going on holiday to relax, to learn or for adventure?

A little bit of everything, but mainly to learn. Every place has a story, a hidden game that takes place in the streets. I travel to discover new characters and stories. New ways to love.

What book are you planning to take with you to read on your next vacation?

‘Invisible Cities’ by Italo Calvino. Every time I read it I feel like I’m entering 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 spirit. Each city would become a surreal dream; every encounter, a scene from a movie.

What is the best gift to give a traveler?

A nice diary of course. Every journey deserves to be remembered with sketches, scribbles and reflections.

What’s your go-to snack for a flight or road trip?

I keep it simple. Some fruit such as an apple or banana with some peanut butter.

What’s the coolest souvenir you bought while on vacation?

My wife and I were wandering around 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 much joy.

What is your favorite travel app/website?

I am a heavy user of the Notes app. I often ask friends for recommendations before traveling and then create an itinerary in Apple Notes and add important links, images, etc.

What has traveling taught you?

That wherever you go, people share the same desire 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 sentences in the local language. It’s like opening a little door in people’s hearts. It’s also helpful to learn, “Where is the nearest bathroom?”

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Juliet Pennington can be reached at [email protected].