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See what the critics say about HAIRSPRAY

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June is a busy month at Mainstage

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Upcoming Events at Mainstage Center for the Arts

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Almost there!
Mainstage Scholarship Drive
Ends Saturday, April 16




April 14, 2011

Dear Friends of Mainstage:

We are almost there! Mainstage's Scholarship Fund Drive 2011 is within $900 of its goal

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The kids at Mainstage need YOU!

Now!

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$15: a great kid sings her heart out in her Summer Stage T-shirt!

$58 (per month): a young person lives his dream in an acting class!

$74 (per week): a young child has a blast at Summer Stage!

$525: for an all expenses paid -magic carpet ride- for a child this summer!



April 7, 2011


Dear Friends of Mainstage:

$471.

That is all we have collected so far in this year's Mainstage Scholarship Drive

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Lot's Happening This Week

Last Week in March 2011

Check Out the New Godspell Trailer

Buy Tickets Now at WWW.MAINSTAGE.ORG

Join us for our Second Open Mike Nite at Sprota's Deli

Mainstage Center for the Arts in Blackwood, NJ, is hosting an Open Mic Night on Thursday, April 7th from 6:30pm-10:00pm. It will be held at Sprota's Deli, 100 Station Ave, in Glendora, NJ.

Just show up after 6:00 - sign-ups are at 6:30pm and the performers start at 7:00pm. Each person can perform up to 2 songs or 10 minutes. You can use live accompaniment, tracks, or sing A Capella.

Sprota's is an awesome little deli, with great food and a cozy atmosphere - it would be a great idea to make a night out of it... take your family for dinner and stay for the performances. The food is very reasonably priced (hamburgers start at only $3.50). There is a $3.00 cover charge per person to get in (performers AND non-performers), but what you'll save on your food bill can easily be put toward the cover charge.

The event is open to the public. Please email Joe Caliva (caliva@mainstage.org) tell him which time slot you'd like. If you need Joe to accompany you on Piano or guitar, this will also give Joe a chance to make sure he can practice the song(s) before Thursday.

Available time slots: 7:10 7:20 7:30 7:40 7:50 8:00 8:10 8:20 8:30 8:40 8:50 9:00 9:10 9:20 9:30 9:40 9:50

If you have any questions, feel free to email joe at caliva@mainstage.org, or you can call him at 856-305-0973.

See you soon!!

Moorestown resident delivers Jesus message of love in modern adaption of ground-breaking musical, Godspell

 When John Comegno of Moorestown takes the stage playing Jesus in Mainstage Center for the Arts' Blackwood production of Godspell on April 1and 2, it will mark his fourth leading role in three years. Quite an accomplishment considering that until 2008, this tenor/attorney had been on a long hiatus from theatre, building his law firm, raising a family, and volunteering in the community.

He returned to theatre because his daughter, Sarah, now 11, asked him to be involved in a local summer production with her. He auditioned and landed the role of the King in the King and I.

      “Though I had performed with a band, I hadn't performed theatrically in between college and the King and I. Now, I've definitely been bitten by the theatre bug. With theatre, there's such a creative energy – you push past boundaries that exist in the business world.”

      Renee Chambers Liciaga of Mount Laurel, director, choreographer and Broadway veteran felt Comegno was perfect for the part of Jesus with his commanding, yet gentle presence.

      “Renee's asked us to use our own spiritual experience in forming our characters. I'm playing Jesus true to my perspective from my Church's theology,” said Comegno. “To me this is the most compelling story in the world.”

Godspell, written by John Michael Tebelak and based on the Gospel of Matthew, focuses on Jesus' message of love, hope and sharing. In this interpretation, Jesus renovates an abandoned house to use as a community shelter in the present day. It features Stephen Schwartz's original musical score including the international hit, “Day By Day,” and other songs like “All Good Gifts,” and “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” which bring the parables to life.

      “This idea to have Jesus come in modern times and fix up a shelter with support of the community is based on what I've seen happening across South Jersey during the rough economic times of the last few years. I've seen communities pull together to support local families in need. Godspell is all about that sense of community and about teaching how to share and how to love,” said Chambers Liciaga.

      Personally, Comegno demonstrates a strong sense of community. As president of Comegno Law Group, which specializes in education law, he counsels many local boards of education, educational clients, and schools. He serves as chairman for the Burlington County Bridge Commission and volunteers for organizations including the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Camden and Bancroft NeuroHealth in Haddonfield. And, for nearly a decade he has taught adult religious education classes at St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church in Mt. Laurel.

      “You know, we are only here for a limited time and my feeling is that we need to take advantage of that time to make an impact. My faith guides me in life,” said Comegno. In addition, Comegno's family provides him with a strong support. “I couldn't be involved in theatre if it weren't for the support of my wife, Marsha and children Sarah, Jack and Annie. They recognize my love for performing. It's a passion they share with me,” he said. Also sharing that passion are Comegno's fellow Godspell cast members: Lauren Parsons, Amanda Frederick and Sarah Sauff all of Delran; Andrew Rimby and Jennifer Diodato of Washington Township, Linette Lamonica of Williamstown, Billy Hart of Laurel Springs, and Jarrett De Stouet of Philadelphia.

       Godspell runs April 1 and 2, 8 pm., in the newly-renovated Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ. Ticket prices are $13 for seniors/students and $16 or $21 for adults. Group rates are also available. To purchase tickets, visit www.mainstage.org, or call (856) 227-3091.

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Mainstage Center for the Arts Offers Its First Musical Blockbuster of the Season

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Next up at Mainstage: The Hit Musical "GODSPELL"

Godspell, John-Michael Tebelak’s ground-breaking Tony-Award winning musical based on the Gospel of Matthew. The cast reenacts parables through song and energetic choreography. Godspell boasts a string of well-known songs including the international hit, "Day By Day," "Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord," and "Learn Your Lessons Well." Broadway veteran Renee Chambers Liciaga directs this production set in a homeless shelter in the disciples' neighborhood.

Former Summer Stager Returns to Her Roots to Design The Diary of Anne Frank Set

      Work as a scenic painter and set designer has taken Claire Bretschneider, of Woodbury, to Mexico, Chicago, and up and down the east coast of the United States. However, designing the set for Mainstage Center for the Arts' (MCA) February production of The Diary of Anne Frank in Blackwood, NJ brings her back to her roots.

     Bretschneider, a 2009 Boston University graduate who studied set design, got her start at MCA's Summer Stage Technical Theatre Program. In this program, teenagers spend their summer learning the behind-the-scenes aspect of theatre from professionals in the field. The hands-on training includes carpentry, scenic painting, lighting, and sound. Students work on all of these elements for the Summer Stage Children's Theatre performances and the evening Mainstage show for adults.

      “I'm really excited about being back at Mainstage to work on The Diary of Anne Frank set,” said Bretschneider. “As a child I loved all of the arts. Through Summer Stage I learned that I really enjoyed set design and scenic painting. That exposure helped me become aware of the career possibilities out there.”

       Designing The Diary of Anne Frank set also gave Bretschneider the opportunity to reconnect with director, Joe Caliva, who worked for Summer Stage when she was enrolled as a student.

      “Joe is so passionate about the project and it's great to work with someone who feels that way,” said Bretschneider. “Plus, it's a great play. The tone is different than many shows I've worked on, much more somber. And, it's an interesting challenge creating the tiny spaces in the attic.”

       Bretschneider collaborated with Caliva, taking pains to ensure the authenticity of the show. She included elements to depict that it was a Jewish household and to reflect the true architecture of the annex.

       Audiences can view Bretschneider's work and MCA's compelling production of The Diary of Anne Frank, February 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20, in the newly-renovated Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall, Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ. Friday and Saturday performances take place at 8 p.m., while Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $13 for students/senior citizens and $16 and $21 for adults. Group rates are also available. To order tickets, please visit www.mainstage.org, or call (856) 227-3091.

Cherry Hill Director, Joe Caliva brings compelling production of The Diary of Anne Frank to Mainstage Center for the Arts

The Diary of Anne Frank has enlightened and educated millions throughout the world for more than 60 years. Today, Anne's words continue to deliver an important message against hatred. Mainstage Center for the Arts is proud to bring these words to life in the new adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank, directed by Joe Caliva of Cherry Hill. The performance runs February 11-13 and 18-20, Dennis Flyer Theatre, Camden County College, Blackwood.

The show also features two Cherry Hill actors. Christian Caliva, who plays Peter Van Daan, a teenage boy whose family hid with the Frank family; and Eli Wood, who portrays Mr. Kraler, Otto Frank's business partner who helps those in hiding survive for more than two years.

This adaptation, by Wendy Kesselman, is an expansion of the original by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. It includes previously deleted writings from Anne Frank's diary, as well as survivor accounts, which are interwoven to create a contemporary, impassioned story of the lives of people persecuted under Nazi rule. Kessleman received a 1997 Tony nomination for her work and stated that her goal in reworking the play was "to make (Anne's) words shine."

Joe Caliva has done much research on the Holocaust and felt compelled to present this adaptation.
“Anne Frank endures as one of the most prolific and recognizable voices from that bleak time in our world's history. This play shows audiences that the victims of the war were real people and that their story is still relevant today,” he said. “It seems as if many parts of the world have still not learned from the horrors and inhumanity of racism and genocide. This makes it even more important for new generations to learn from Anne's message and teachings.”

Joe Caliva's passion for this project inspired his son, Christian, to be involved as well. Christian attended Montclair University as a Theatre Major. He now hopes to enroll in an acting conservatory or the Disney college program.

“It's been a great experience to reenact the relationship between Peter and Anne. In her diary, Anne was always talking about how she couldn't relate with adults, specifically her mother, so I think having Peter with her during this terrifying time may have helped to calm her and keep her spirits up,” said Christian Caliva.

In addition to the Cherry Hill talent, the cast of Anne Frank is comprised of actors from the surrounding area. Taylor Coccia of Washington Township stars as Anne, the lively, witty girl who documents her thoughts and experiences during two years in hiding from the Nazis. Living with her in the hideaway are her father, Otto Frank (Charles Hoffman of Havertown, PA); mother, Edith Frank (Liz Rodriquez of Williamstown, NJ); sister, Margot (Becki Zaritsky of Langhorne, PA); Mr. Dussel (Kevin Fennell of Trooper, PA); Peter and his parents, Mr. Van Daan (Anthony Pierantozzi of West Chester, PA), Mrs. Van Daan (Marie Maginity of Doylestown, PA, and Miep Gies (Christina Forshey of Maple Shade, NJ) partners with Mr. Kraler to help the families survive. Stage manager Becky Teller of Mullica Hill, assistant stage manager Grace Conigleiero of Washington Township, and costumer Cheri Howlett of Gloucester Township work with the director and cast to ensure a realistic portrayal of life in the secret annex.

To experience the timeless relevance of Anne Frank's words, attend Mainstage Center for the Arts' production of the Diary of Anne Frank, February 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20 in the newly-renovated Dennis Flyer Theatre, 200 College Drive, Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $13 for seniors/students and $16 or $21 for adults. Group rates are also available. To order tickets, visit www.mainstage.org, or call (856) 227-3091.

Mainstage Center for the Arts, located at Camden County College in Blackwood, NJ is committed to make the arts experience enjoyable for all its patrons. In an effort to make the shows, concerts, events, workshops, classes, and offices accessible to as many as possible, Mainstage offers many services for patrons requiring assistance. For anyone in need of assistance, please notify the office at (856) 227-3091 at the time of purchasing tickets, or at least five days prior to the event you are attending.

Mainstage Center for the Arts, the parent program for Summer Stage, is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization committed to providing a creative, vibrant, and nurturing environment for youth and adults. This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. This program is also made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey Cultural Trust.

Anne Frank: Theater of a Real Girl

Posted by Shen Shellenberger, www.JerseyArts.com’s Blogger-at-Large.

My favorite 14 year-old, Jules, has loved “The Diary of Anne Frank” since the first time she read it. When I asked her why this book is a favorite, she answered without hesitation. “It was Anne’s real thoughts in her journal, not someone telling a story knowing what was going to happen in the end,” she told me. And while those in the annex were living under extremely difficult circumstances, their situation did not keep Anne from acting like what she was – a teenager. “She was in love with a boy. She had pictures of movie stars on her wall. She had arguments with her mother and sister. She was a normal girl,” Jules explained.
Anne Frank and Peter Van Daan: Spending two years in hiding was difficult for everyone, especially the young Anne Frank. She was thankful to have a companion close to her age in Peter.

And perhaps it is this universality – this quality of Anne’s that allows us to relate to her experiences – that is a primary reason why the stage play, adapted from the book, is perpetually popular with theater goers of all ages.

Mainstage Center for the Arts will present “The Diary of Anne Frank” on February 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20, at the recently renovated Dennis Flyer Theatre at Camden County College in Blackwood. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8:00 PM; Sunday matinees are at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $13 – $21, and can be ordered online or by phone at 856-227-3091. Group rates are available.

Director Joe Caliva, of Cherry Hill, first became interested in the Holocaust in high school, but didn’t read “The Diary of Anne Frank” until later. Like Jules and thousands of others, Caliva was deeply affected by Anne’s story. “Her account,” he said, “drove home the humanity element. We get to watch this little girl grow up.” And her story is one that has relevance, even now. It is clear that, despite the compelling evidence of the effects of racism and hatred, people still have much to learn. “We have become somewhat numb,” Caliva says, “which makes it even more important for new generations to hear Anne’s message.”

For this production, Caliva chose to use Wendy Kesselman’s 1997 adaptation, rather than the version that was written in 1956. In Caliva’s opinion, the newer version – which expands the story to include survivor accounts and additional diary entries not included in the original – presents a truer picture of life at the time. “The adaptation puts back some of the authentic Jewish traditions, such as prayers and the Hanukkah celebration.” Caliva also cites historical inaccuracies in the original play, which are corrected in the ’97 version.

“In directing this play, I had three goals: to make sure that the cast interacted in a way that the audience could relate to, to get across how the story affected me, and to be sensitive to the Jewish traditions and practices” Caliva said.

Authenticity is also very important to Set Director Claire Bretschneider. A 2009 Boston College grad, who studied Set Design and has been involved with Mainstage since her pre-teen days, Bretschneider is equally committed to presenting an accurate portrayal of Anne’s story.

After reading through the script, she went on to do her own research into the time period and the architecture. “Joe (Caliva) found a couple of old photos,” Bretschneider says, “and that was our jumping off point.” The pair studied a few previous productions of the play and added their own ideas to create the set design. “We used certain props that make the audience realize it’s a Jewish home,” Bretschneider explains, “and, without making it too cluttered, I added things that suggested that it was a cramped space.”

The entire play takes place in a small attic, with the windows covered over and very little light. And, though the overall tone of the story is somber, it is not without its joyful moments. Bretschneider kept this in mind. “I didn’t want the set to be too gloomy,” she says. “I tried to strike a balance between dark and bright.”

In addition to the public shows, Mainstage will present special matinee performances for middle and high school age students. Before they see the show, the students will use the study guides they received to familiarize themselves with the story. At the performance, they will not only see the play but also have a chance to meet members of the cast and talk with the director.

Caliva is eager to see this story come to life on stage, but is especially excited about the student performances. “I really want to bring this message to young people, who perhaps don’t realize how a situation like this could happen. We talk a lot about the destructive effects of bullying. But bullying begins with rumors being spread and lies being repeated over and over until they become reality.” Caliva believes that telling Anne’s story to students, from the perspective of someone their age, could put into context what might otherwise seem like a remote historical event.

Caliva has – in his words – “worn every hat” when it comes to theatre. But directing this show is particularly meaningful for him. In 2002, Caliva put together a short film for Voorhees Theatre Company in conjunction with their production of “The Diary of Anne Frank”. “I did a lot of research for that project, and learned about Anne’s life, both before the family went into hiding, and after,” Caliva says. “It’s a very personal story for me”.

“The Diary of Anne Frank” will be showing at Mainstage Center for the Artsin Blackwood from February 11th through February 20th.

The Diary of Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank

The Diary of Anne Frank

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