The Cabaret Royale in the Westin Aruba Resort welcomes noted New York thespian Anna Berger to their stage on Thursday, August 14 for a single performance of her one-woman show titled “Absolutely Anna.” The proceeds of this very special event will go entirely to benefit local Aruban Foundation Ateliers ’89, which imports noted artists and instructors from Holland to conduct free art workshops for Aruban youth, and assists their students in obtaining higher education at well regarded Dutch art academies. After only a year, they have facilitated the placement of eleven Aruban students, most at the Reitfeld Art Academy in Amsterdam.
Anna Berger may not be a name that rings a bell in most minds, because she is one of those superb, chameleon-like actresses that so become the part they play, audiences only remember the characters they bring to life. Anna has spent over fifty years as a successful working actress on stage, screen and television. She is now every directors’ favorite Jewish, Italian, Polish, you-name-it ethnic mama, aunt or grandmother, immortalizing such characters as Aunt May in Woody Allen’s “Crimes and Misdemeanors.” Most recently TV audiences know her as “Cookie” in The Sopranos, and she was the first to play one of the most famous Jewish mothers of all, “Golde” in “Tevye and his Daughters” when it was first staged in New York, before being transformed into “Fiddler on the Roof.” She is now appearing with Adam Sandler in his latest film “You don’t mess with the Zohan!” Anna is the recipient of a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from her peers of the Coleman and Smith Artistic Company (COLSAC- www.colsac.org.)
Anna was encouraged by her colleagues at The Actors’ Studio to collect and present her memories of the years during which Broadway, Hollywood and television were established, which she has done in the form of a one-woman monologue titled “Absolutely Anna.” It is a humorous, emotional and enlightening journey through time.
Anna lived through The Depression, World War II, The McCarthy era, and was a witness and participant in many of the milestones that made acting history. Her first important acting job was touring in “Diamond Lil” with Mae West, with whom she became intimate friends, and through her life worked with and was close to some of the most famous luminaries of theater, film and television, before and after they got their star on Hollywood Boulevard. These intimate “behind the scenes” memories are presented in a delightful and enthralling monologue full of wit, humor and touching recollections.
Anna has performed her show “Absolutely Anna” at several venues, and after more than twenty years of vacationing annually in Aruba with her husband Bob, has graciously agreed to the staging of a special benefit for Ateliers ’89, “to give something back to the young artists of the island, which has given us so many wonderful moments over the years.”
There will be a single performance of “Absolutely Anna,” including an art auction afterwards featuring the works of noted island artists Elvis Lopez, Gilbert Senchi, Nelson Gonzalez, Glenda Heyliger and Jesse Wolfe. Showtime is 8:00 PM, sharp, with doors opening at 7:15; drinks available from the bar.
Tickets cost $40 p.p. and seating is very limited; entrance includes door prizes for weekend stays, activities, Sunday brunch at the Hyatt and more! All proceeds will benefit the Foundation Atelier ’89, a non-profit foundation for the continuance of culture in Aruba, through the next generation of potential artists. Reservations can be made and tickets will be available at the concierge desk of the Westin Aruba Resort, (297-586-4466 ext 59) Aruba Beach Club executive offices, and by calling Ateliers ’89 at 565-4613.
Foundation Atelier ’89 wishes in particular to thank the Westin Aruba Resort, Aruba Industrial Services, Aruba Adventures, De Palm Tours, Hyatt Regency Resort and Holiday Inn Aruba Sunspree Resort for their generous sponsorship of the event and the kind assistance of Maria Silva and Vibrations. This very unique evening is a must for those that appreciate the great days of classic film and theater, come and relive them with Anna, as she takes you for a journey that will fascinate and delight!
