In 1970, starred opposite Lauren Bacall on Broadway in Applause, musical
adaptation of the movie classic, All About Eve (1950). Bacall played fading Broadway star Margo Channing (Bette Davis ' role in the film) and Penny played conniving, grasping actress Eve Harrington
(Anne Baxter's role).
Trained for her craft at Illinois' Northwestern University.
Was twice-nominated for Broadway's Tony Award: in 1970 as best
supporting or featured actress (musical) for Applause and, in 2001,
as best actress (featured role - play) for Neil Simon's The
Dinner Party.
Made her Broadway debut in 1962 in A Moon Besieged. She later
served as a starring replacement in popular '60s Broadway hits such as Barefoot in the Park, as Corrie, and Cabaret, as Sally Bowles.