Taking the
stage in a local production of Angels in America Part One:
Millennium Approaches at the Provincetown Theatre,
Laura Potenza breaks down her three roles, how she started in
theatre, and how her passion brought her to real estate.
Congratulations on your role in Angels in
America Part One: Millennium Approaches with Provincetown
Theatre! Can you tell us about the play and your role?
Thank you. Angels in America Part One: Millennium
Approaches is a three-act play that is the first of two
plays. The second is called Angels in America Part Two:
Perestroika is also a three-act play that we will
hopefully be presenting next season. It’s written by Tony
Kushner who has a home here in Provincetown and was presented on
Broadway in 1993. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Tony
Award for Best Play, and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play.
It’s considered by many to be the greatest work of drama of our
generation. The play takes place in New York City in 1985 during
the height of the AIDS crisis. It follows the story of several New
Yorkers and how they were affected by this disease. I play three
different characters in the play. I open the show as an elderly
Rabbi during a funeral for one of the lead characters. Playing a
much older gentleman has been an incredible challenge. I also play
the mother of one of the other lead characters, and finally, I play
Ethel Rosenberg who’s come back to haunt Roy Cohn. One of the
amazing things about this play is the use of fictional and
real-life characters. The response has been truly overwhelming.
David Drake, the artistic director of the Provincetown Theatre,
always picks plays that are thoughtful and relevant to our
community. Last year I appeared in Casa
Valentina which dealt with gender identity hit home with
so many of us here in town. We just learned that our run has been
extended for three extra performances as we have sold out all
remaining shows.
How long have you been acting and when did you get
involved in local theatre?
I’ve been acting, dancing, and performing since I was a
child. For most of my life, it was all I ever wanted to do. Being
one of five children it was where I felt most “at home.”
I spent a good part of my life in New York City pursuing my dream
of making it my career. I always said thank goodness for Soap
Operas because they kept a lot of actors employed, myself included.
I did manage to get other acting work from time to time but I
always worked what we call a survival job. I’m also a single
parent to my son Jack. I came to the local theatre on the Cape
about three years ago after moving here full-time to be with my
partner Shawn, a local restaurant owner.
How does your
experience in the arts aid you in being a real estate
advisor?
My experience in the arts is what brought me to real estate. I
was doing a play called The Humans in 2022. I
worked with a wonderful actor named
Nathan Butera, who is also an agent with Gibson Sotheby’s
International Realty. During this time we learned we had very
similar backgrounds. After the play closed, Natahn was the person
who encouraged me to look into the business. I got my license and
Nathan has been my mentor for the last year. We’ve worked
together on several deals and he’s been incredibly supportive
to me during this first year on the job.
How do you juggle life on the stage and your real estate
business?
I guess it’s like juggling anything else in your life. I
set goals for my week and my day. I prioritize taking
good care of myself, having gratitude, and asking for
help.
What are some of your other favorite local hobbies,
activities, or organizations that you participate in?
I’m lucky enough to live in Truro with a big yard. The first
thing I did when I moved here was put planters in the yard
because I wanted a vegetable garden. Shawn and I love working
outside but it seems like every time we turn around there’s
something else we want to do. We’re also major foodies. During
the “off-season,” we are always cooking and baking.
I’m getting more involved in volunteer work, especially with
the Provincetown Community Compact which organizes the Swim For
Life. I go to the UU meeting house on Sundays and I walk my dog
Murphy (a Cavalier King Charles) on the beach every day.
What do you love most about where you live and work?
Favorite spots in the Provincetown area or Cape Cod?
I love the people here. There is such an exciting and creative
community of people; getting to know so many of them through my
work in real estate and in the theatre is a privilege.
What are three sources of joy in your
week?
My “me time” in the morning when I start each
day.
Spending precious time off with Shawn and Murphy.
Enjoying all the beauty the Cape has all year long.
Laura Potenza | 168 Commercial Street Provincetown, MA
02657 | 917.863.2029 | Laura.Potenza@GibsonSIR.com