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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-06-28, Page 22PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2000. Love blooms Shuttered away in rooms above a warehouse annex, a young Anne Frank (Maggie Blake) and Peter van Daan (Nicolas Van Burek) discover young love in Stratford Avon Theatre’s production of Trie Diary of Anne Frank. (Photo taken from the Festival's souvenir programme) 25th season Jerry McDonnell, chair of the selection committee for the Bainton Gallery in Blyth welcomed guests to the grand opening of the gallery’s 25th season last Friday. Theatre review Avon’s ‘Anne’ brings war home Festival alum leads top blues band By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff Blessed as we are by the freedom, grandeur and quality of life in Canada, it’s difficult to imagine any other way. Stratford Avon Theatre’s production of The Diary of Anne Frank, does its best to show you. I would doubt that there are any for whom the story of young Anne is unfamiliar. Her diary telling of the 25 months the Franks and four other Jews spent hiding in an attic annex above a warehouse, before being betrayed and sent to concentration camp, has been translated into about 60 languages. The story has been relived on stage, in a movie and on television. Masterfully directed at Stratford by Al Waxman The Diary of Anne Frank conveys effectively the physi­ cal congestion and the fear endured by these people during their confine­ ment. while showing as well that even in times of trial there are times of joy. That there is no intermission in their dreary routine is uniquely pre­ sented between acts when, as the house lights go on. the performers remain on stage in character throughout the 20-minute break. While I probably wouldn't have thought anything had it not been done this way, it made sense. Nobody was leaving that attic. A superb cast creates a walking portraiture of real human character - the desire to survive, the ability to adapt and endure, the weaknesses and strengths. Seventeen-year-old Maggie Blake gives an inspiring performance as Anne capably making the shift between over-energetic adolescent to blossoming femininity, while maintaining the young heroine's verve and spirit. Her depth makes her equally impressive whether flit­ ting with frenetic pre-pubescent energy or raging at her mother. Stephen Russell, replacing George A. Sperdakos in the role of the patri­ arch Otto Frank, is dignified strength, while Diane D’Aquila gives a lovely performance as his gracious wife. Her classic reserve is often the cause of turmoil between herself and her tumultuous younger child. By contrast the van Daans, Hermann and Petronella, portrayed by Robert King and Lally Cadeau are a little more flamboyant. Hermann lacks the calm integrity of Frank, yet King’s likeable portrayal allows for forgiveness. Cadeau’s Petronella is that eccentric great aunt we all adore, a little embarrassing, but endearingly ingenuous. Adrienne Gould and Nicholas Van Burek as Anne’s sister Margot and Peter van Daan respectively are also worthy of note. Gould displays an ethereal quality perfect as the gentler sibling, while Van Burek’s discom­ fort around the gregarious Anne is clear. The eighth housemate, Mr. Dussel is played by Brian Tree. His acerbic take on things makes for many of the play's lighter moments. Rounding out the cast were Lewis Gordon and Deborah Hay as the families' protectors, Andy Pogson as the Nazi and Ian Deakin and Andrew Burr as the collaborators. The latter three, perhaps best explained by the fact that they had just brief moments on stage wisely did not come out for the curtain call. Considering their impact in those few minutes 1 doubt they would have been well received. The story of the Franks, (of the eight only Otto survived the camps) is undoubtedly powerful. Even in less capable hands its telling has the power to stir deep feelings. This pro­ duction keeps those emotions sim­ mering. Raoul And The Big Time will be performing Friday, July 7 at back- stage in Stratford, 146 Wellington St. Raoul And The Big Time is mak­ ing their second appearance in Stratford in the last two years. After a successful night at The Stone Haven Inn, they are returning to per­ form at Backstage. Since their last appearance Raoul And The Big Time have won the Stony Plain Best New Band/Artist Award at the 1999 Maple Blues Awards in Toronto. Presented at The Phoenix Concert Theatre on Feb. 8, the award recognizes them as the best new blues act in Canada. The award was presented by Stony Plain Records founder and host of Saturday Night Blues on CBC Fergus theatre opens plays with a twist In an interesting twist. Theatre on the Grand in Fergus is set to open two, interconnected plays written by Kevin Arthur Land that find art imi­ tating art. Rave (July 5 - 22) is a bone-chill­ ing thriller. It’s the story of a small summer theatre which, in the hopes of retiring its deficit forever, re- stages a hugely successful romantic comedy from last year’s playbill. The director only makes one small change - he replaces the strange lead actor. And someone is not happy with the decision. Throughout Rave, theatre patrons see short pieces of the romantic com­ edy the small summer theatre is re- staging. The name of that production is Whole Lotto Love. In a case of life imitating art. Whole Lotto Dive (June 28 - July 1) is being restaged at Theatre on the Grand after a success­ ful run last season. The play follows Lenore and Dwight, a recently sepa­ rated couple who win the lottery jackpot. She wants the ticket. He wants her back. Call the Box Office for ticket information at (519) 787-1981, or visit the Theatre at 244 St. Andrew St. W.„ Fergus. Radio, Holger Peterson. Raoul Bhaneja, front man, has also led a successful career as an actor staring in Extraordinary Visitor (opposite Mary Walsh), Violet, The Newsroom and Twitch City' to name a few. He has worked in the area at The Blyth Festival in Bamdance Live! Booze Days in a Dry County and at The Stratford Festival for a three- week development workshop of Elizabeth Rex. TUES. AUG. 1, 2000 - 8:00 PM BLYTH ARENA Tickets $29.50 advance; $32.00 at the door. Available at: Reddi Chef in Clinton, Blyth General Store; Ernie King’s (l 993 Ltd.) in Goderich & Wingham Visa & Mastercard Orders: l-800-465-7829 www.stompintom.com Performers of “Toronto/Chicago/ Hollywood Blues” Raoul And The Big Time have performed extensive­ ly in the Toronto area ov^r the last two years including opening for Bobby “Blue” Bland as part of the JVC Jazz Festival and NXNE. This year they will be performing as part of The Downtown Jazz Festival. In September they will go into the stu­ dio to record their debut CD under the watchful guidance of Terry Wilkins and Alec Fraser.