Aside from starring in Anne Frank, a Musical, you are also the director and producer, how would you describe what you do in each of these roles and which is your favorite actor, director, or producer?
DS: I have always considered directing, producing and acting as the same job. I love to do each separately as well of course. But where I feel « unique » is when I can bring these three elements together and deliver my own vision of a work. I love the group effort that can be delivered in a show and to play among my colleagues is a great privilege.
Is it hard to take on so many roles in one production? How do you balance it all?
DS: With over 20 years of experience and a hundred productions, I have now the knowledge of how to bring a show together and how to manage my time before and during the performance. It’s all about time management. Luckily, I have learned from my mistakes so I’m always better on my next production. I also never go to bed until everything has been done, that way I avoid being late.
How did you originally become involved in this project?
DS: My dear friend Jean-Pierre Hadida is the composer of this musical which I saw nearly 10 years ago. When I was asked by the Anne Frank Museum of Amsterdam to do the 80th anniversary of Anne Frank in Paris back in 2009, I invited this musical to be part of the celebration. 10 years later in 2019, I’m bringing this musical to New York! This has been a long process but it pays off as this is a very important performance telling the story of an important young lady for which so many people can identify to this day.
What is your favorite part of working on this project?
DS: I love to create. And taking this musical from French and to bring it to the English language, and to stage it to the American and New York standards is always very exciting. This is also, as Jew from Europe, a very personal touching story for me to bring to actors and musicians who are not jewish and who play these important parts. To see the tears of the composer who told me « you made my dream come true », is a huge accomplishment for me.
What does music add to the story of Anne Frank?
DS: The music reflects the souls of the characters. During two years that Anne Frank and her family were hiding they didn’t cry all the time and they had moments of modest happiness and even a love story between Anne and Peter. There were also tensions between members of the Annex where they were hiding. The music also takes us to a level that words can’t.
Why is Anne Frank's story so important especially now?
DS: Anne Frank belongs to Humanity. Her story shows us (and I'm showing it in this musical) that even today there are many "Anne Franks » in the world who are suffering from an oppression. We are all Anne Franks! We all have dreams with obstacles mixed with uncertainty and understanding.
What is your favorite line from the show and why does it resonate with you?
DS: There are many, but I’ll say « I write about my life, I write to never forget ».
What would say to someone who doesn't want to see the show because they think it's too depressing or they don't like "war related" stories?
DS: It’s a story of hope and love. The show is educative as it tells the history of an important era. It shows us how precious freedom is and how much we owe it to the sacrifices of many people who fought for it and to the American troops who came to save and deliver Europe from the nazis. We must never forget and I feel that I must honor their memories.
What advice would you give to someone who not only wants to work in the theater but wants to make theater that matters?
DS: Trust your heart, believe in yourself but listen to everyone. Identify your priorities and remember also who signs your check! Know your priorities and do each shows as if it was the last one. Don’t be afraid to be who you are, as it’s your only chance to be unique. Earn the crowd and you’ll earn your freedom!
We thank David for taking the time to answers our questions. For more information about Anne Frank, a Musical, or to purchase tickets, visit https://annefrankthemusical.bpt.me.
Tune in tomorrow for this week's Sunday Scoop.
Is it hard to take on so many roles in one production? How do you balance it all?
DS: With over 20 years of experience and a hundred productions, I have now the knowledge of how to bring a show together and how to manage my time before and during the performance. It’s all about time management. Luckily, I have learned from my mistakes so I’m always better on my next production. I also never go to bed until everything has been done, that way I avoid being late.
How did you originally become involved in this project?
DS: My dear friend Jean-Pierre Hadida is the composer of this musical which I saw nearly 10 years ago. When I was asked by the Anne Frank Museum of Amsterdam to do the 80th anniversary of Anne Frank in Paris back in 2009, I invited this musical to be part of the celebration. 10 years later in 2019, I’m bringing this musical to New York! This has been a long process but it pays off as this is a very important performance telling the story of an important young lady for which so many people can identify to this day.
What is your favorite part of working on this project?
DS: I love to create. And taking this musical from French and to bring it to the English language, and to stage it to the American and New York standards is always very exciting. This is also, as Jew from Europe, a very personal touching story for me to bring to actors and musicians who are not jewish and who play these important parts. To see the tears of the composer who told me « you made my dream come true », is a huge accomplishment for me.
What does music add to the story of Anne Frank?
DS: The music reflects the souls of the characters. During two years that Anne Frank and her family were hiding they didn’t cry all the time and they had moments of modest happiness and even a love story between Anne and Peter. There were also tensions between members of the Annex where they were hiding. The music also takes us to a level that words can’t.
Why is Anne Frank's story so important especially now?
DS: Anne Frank belongs to Humanity. Her story shows us (and I'm showing it in this musical) that even today there are many "Anne Franks » in the world who are suffering from an oppression. We are all Anne Franks! We all have dreams with obstacles mixed with uncertainty and understanding.
What is your favorite line from the show and why does it resonate with you?
DS: There are many, but I’ll say « I write about my life, I write to never forget ».
What would say to someone who doesn't want to see the show because they think it's too depressing or they don't like "war related" stories?
DS: It’s a story of hope and love. The show is educative as it tells the history of an important era. It shows us how precious freedom is and how much we owe it to the sacrifices of many people who fought for it and to the American troops who came to save and deliver Europe from the nazis. We must never forget and I feel that I must honor their memories.
What advice would you give to someone who not only wants to work in the theater but wants to make theater that matters?
DS: Trust your heart, believe in yourself but listen to everyone. Identify your priorities and remember also who signs your check! Know your priorities and do each shows as if it was the last one. Don’t be afraid to be who you are, as it’s your only chance to be unique. Earn the crowd and you’ll earn your freedom!
We thank David for taking the time to answers our questions. For more information about Anne Frank, a Musical, or to purchase tickets, visit https://annefrankthemusical.bpt.me.
Tune in tomorrow for this week's Sunday Scoop.
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This sounds very interesting. I would love to go see it.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting but I prefer the nonmusical version of Anne Frank. Thanks for visiting Says Me Says Mom and your comment.
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