Most will remember Patricia Kalember as “Georgie’’ in the popular NBC drama series “Sisters,’’ which ran from 1991 to 1996, but the actress has been on many other TV shows, in films, and onstage — both on and off-Broadway. Kalember, 61, is currently in Boston in the American Repertory Theater production of “The White Card’’ on the Robert J. Orchard Stage in the Paramount Center through April 1. The play, written by Claudia Rankine and directed by Diane Paulus, examines racism in a unique way. “This show is very polarizing, but very important,’’ said Kalember, whose husband, actor Daniel Gerroll, is also in the play. Born in Schenectady, N.Y., Kalember was raised in Louisville, Westport, Conn., and Detroit. She and Gerroll, who have three adult children and two grandchildren, live in Weston, Conn. We caught up with Kalember to talk about all things travel.
Favorite vacation destination? The Umbria area of Italy. We have good friends who own a house there. We laugh, we shop, we see great art, and drink copious amounts of good red wine.
Favorite food or drink while vacationing? Carmen’s in Cartagena. Ingenious cocktails — she makes her own tonic water infused with local herbs — and delicious seafood.
Where would you like to travel to but haven’t? We have so many places we’d love to see: Argentina, Chile, Australia . . . but our next trip will most likely be Scandinavia. It’s calling to us.
One item you can’t leave home without when traveling? The one item — or in my case items — I never leave my house without are my face potions, cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, [and] rose oil drops. I’ve gone without make up for months, but wouldn’t last two days without skin care.
Aisle or window? Definitely the aisle, for a quick escape.
Favorite childhood travel memory? We would drive to Sarasota, Fla., in my father’s huge Buick to visit my grandmother. My father took it as a personal mission to get us there with as few stops as possible. Seat belts were optional in those days, and my brother and I took turns sleeping on the seat or the floor of the car. Counting cows got us through until we were released into a world of white sand, blue skies, and sea gulls that would eat popcorn from your hand. Our cousins would sometimes join us. We’d have evenings of lobsters, hide and seek, and sunburn care. The trip home always involved a final stop in Florida, where we were allowed one item. For me, it was the crate of oranges that were really bubble gum, and my brother? He managed to talk my parents into returning with a baby alligator.
Guilty pleasure when traveling? A glass of wine with lunch.
Best travel tip? Underpack and don’t plan too much. Our favorite thing is to rent a car, decide on the day where we’ll stop, explore, then fall into a local restaurant and hotel. We’ve found some treasures, and even the disasters become lore.
JULIET PENNINGTON
