Mainstage Center for the Arts
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Tuesday, February 22, 2011
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.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Former Summer Stager Returns to Her Roots to Design The Diary of Anne Frank Set
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.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
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.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Mainstage Center for the Arts
Contact:
http://ping.fm/e1vjN
...........................................
*( http://ping.fm/NThAx
Contact:
http://ping.fm/e1vjN
...........................................
*( http://ping.fm/NThAx
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