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.
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