This is a question raised in the final moments of After Anne Frank. Without a doubt, Carol Lempert and Janice L. Goldberg are prime contenders.
Developed by Artistic New Directions and selected as part of a very limited number of works to move on from the International Fringe Festival to the Fringe NYC Encore Series, After Anne Frank, now at the Soho Playhouse, Is outstanding.
If you have any apprehension about seeing yet another Holocaust related work, don’t let it stop you. This production is fresh, filled with pathos, history and a generous dash of humor. There is, indeed, material about the Holocaust and the Jewish faith (carefully researched as well as drawn from first-hand knowledge of the writer/actress), but it is all seamlessly woven into the fabric of the story.
Carol Lempert has written and performs a one-woman show, though sharing the stage with a wide variety of other characters, including a charming French lady and an uncle, a Holocaust survivor who does not want to be reminded of the past. All are brought to life through vivid characterizations and impeccable dialects.
The quality of the writing, acting and direction are apparent by dint of the fact that we are not made aware of them. All are so on-target that, without exception, the spoken word and carefully choreographed moves, leaps and body language grow organically out of each moment. The scenes from the past meld effortlessly with the present. As an actress, Carol Lempert so embodies herself on stage without pretense, self-consciousness or aggrandizement that the audience learns a great deal not only about the person before them, but about themselves as well.
The simple and appropriate set and costume, the lighting (Robin Paterson) and sound (designed by Craig Lenti and operated by Matt Cabill) along with stage manager, Jim Armstrong, all serve the production well. The move to the new and very different space was seamlessly accomplished and the first performance went without a hitch.
The Soho Playhouse, a relatively small and intimate theatre, is a perfect venue for this work. But the integrity of After Anne Frank will fare well in a larger space as well. It is thoroughly enjoyable theater and well worth seeing. Go! Enjoy!
After Anne Frank
Written and performed by Carol Lempert
Directed by Janice L. Goldberg
The Soho Playhouse
15 Vandam Street (easily accessed by bus or subway)
Saturday, September 17, at 4:30, Wednesday, September 21, at 8 p.m. and Friday, September 23, at 9:30 p.m.
Photo Credit: Tim Dumas
