PENELOPE CRUZ LOVES WORKING WITH BARDEM (Penelope Cruz)

The "Vanilla Sky" actress – who made her acting debut alongside Javier in 1992 movie "Jamon, jamon" - says it was "great" to be reunited on screen for Woody Allen's new movie "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."

Penelope, 34, said: "It was great to work with Javier after so many years. When we worked together, we were 17 and that was the movie that was a huge opportunity for us."

Calling the actor "a major talent," Penelope refused to discuss their relationship, saying only: "I don't want to talk about that."

The Spanish star also spoke of her joy at landing a role in new musical "Nine," based on the Broadway theater show of the same name.

She added to Britain's The Independent newspaper: "I've always wanted to do a musical. I did four auditions for this movie. When I got it, I was so happy."

"I was on the massage table having a massage and I got the call and started screaming. The therapist didn't speak Spanish and she thought I was going crazy. I'm very happy about it!"
(Penelope Cruz [07/21/2008])