Tom Pecinka — The Bare Magazine

We enjoyed getting to know actor/musician Tom Pecinka between his Tony nominated performance as Peter in “Stereophonic “ on a hot sunny NYC day. He showed up to shoot with his beloved rescue pup Molly after they journeyed in from his home base of Connecticut. The phrase “star quality” would definitely apply to this super talented, warm, real and handsome artist with the best mustache on the planet! Scroll down for a few candid shots and our chat about his passions, style, love of all things Aesop and his Bare essentials which include a gift from his gal.

The Bare Magazine: In what way do you hope the story will impact the viewer by the time they leave the theatre?

Tom Pecinka: I hope the audiences leave the play with a better understanding of the creative process. A better understanding of how things that seem ethereal, transcendent and intangible are made. I think when most people who don’t necessarily consider themselves creatives take in a piece of art, if it is done well, they won’t be able to see the seams. I think this play exposes those seams and explores the heartache and joy of creation.

Bare: Are there still parts of the play that time after time tug at your heart strings?

TP: I think the last Peter and Diana scene, which we refer to as “Say you’re my family” still affects me deeply. It was the scene I think that got me the part. It’s such a moment of intense vulnerability that really exposes the character in a way that is integral to the story and I really have to commit 110% every night to it in order for the play and my character arc to work.

Bare: You are a longtime musician, does the play satisfy many of your creative passions?

TP: I’ve been playing guitar for about 7 years actually. I really had to up my game for this role. I was very nervous and fearful of playing at the level I play at now when we were doing the play Off-Broadway. I am finally having a lot of fun playing the guitar every night. I have been singing since I was seven years old so to be able to sing on Broadway is truly a dream realized.

Bare: Looking into the future a few years, what do you envision yourself doing?

TP: I would really like to explore more on camera work. When the industry shut down during COVID I came back to work with some of my first and most fruitful television and film jobs. Stereophonic is really my first big venture back into the theater since the pandemic. On Camera acting is still very novel to me so it’s exciting in a different way. As far as my personal life is concerned I’d love to own some property in the country, get another dog and maybe have a kid. I’d like the opportunity to be a dad.

Bare: You're based in CT. Does it help give you a chance to recharge and disconnect? Do you think you'll always be on the east coast?

TP: I honestly love living in Connecticut. I grew up on Long Island and have lived in the city for many years. I left the city during the pandemic because I realized that living in Manhattan was just not good for my mental health at the time. I have a backyard and live in a small beach town so it’s lovely to have my space out here and commute into the hustle and bustle for work. It’s like having the best of both worlds. I won’t rule out living in the city again but I think I will always need a place to go unwind. As far as the east coast is concerned I would love a west coast era at some point.

Bare: Your personal style is rad. How would you describe it? What are a few favorite shops (vintage or otherwise) or designers?

TP: I love anything that’s timeless. I would say my personal style is somewhere between workwear chic and fun street wear. I’ve always been into fashion. I think it’s important for me to present myself in the way I’d like to be seen. I think clothes are a great form of self expression and as an actor I like to change it up from time to time as I would a role. But ultimately I love a good classic brand. Whether that be Levi’s or Carhartt or a Vintage Schott Leather jacket. I think there is a reason why things last and I love to dip into those staple pieces when I’m maintaining or refreshing my wardrobe.

Bare: We loved your dog Molly! Do you like to take her to the theatre? As your partner is also away many hours on a theatre schedule too....are you planning on a second pup?

TP: I’ve had a few dogs over the years but Molly is by far the best dog I’ve ever come across. I used to think it was my bias but everyone tells me how sweet and special she is. She was brought up to New York to a rescue in West Hampton from Tennessee. I don’t know much about her previous life but I assume she was saved from a kill shelter. I can’t imagine her not being in my life. She transformed my girlfriend Cara into a dog person. We are looking into getting a small dog that is a bit more portable for sure.

Bare: Do you have a skincare/haircare ritual or some favorite go-to products you can share?

TP: I really love anything from Aesop. I initially got into their fragrances as I am a bit of a fragrance freak (I own over 50 bottles of various fragrances) but now I’ve gotten into their skincare. As far as hair care goes I’m constantly trying new stuff. I like to change my hair up a lot. I honestly would prefer a buzz cut at all times.