Jorge Bermudez Returns to Summer Place Theater to Direct The Diary of Anne Frank in 2020
Local theater veteran last directed South Pacific for Summer Place
Summer Place Theater is thrilled to announce the return of Jorge Bermudez, who will direct The Diary of Anne Frank in July 2020. The local community and professional theater veteran made his Naperville directorial debut last summer when he directed Summer Place’s critically acclaimed production of South Pacific.
“I’m beyond thrilled to return to Summer Place to direct The Diary of Anne Frank,” Jorge said. “Not only do I get to collaborate with one of the best producing partners and theater companies I’ve ever had the privilege to work with, but I’m honored that it is with one of the most important pieces of literature ever written.”
After growing up in Rolling Meadows, the talented director and actor earned a Bachelor of Arts in Performance Studies at the University of Illinois, and a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Pedagogy with an emphasis on acting and directing from the Virginia Commonwealth University. Jorge also earned a Master of Science in Human Resources from Loyola University.
“The relevance of this play and Anne’s diary has been important since the day it was discovered after the Frank family’s arrest,” Jorge said. "It’s particularly relevant during times like these given our current political climate. It’s one thing to listen to accounts of what transpires when the world fails to respond, but it’s a completely different experience when you read how it actually feels. I can’t wait to bring this story to the stage, and continue this necessary conversation.”
The addition of Jorge to the production team of The Diary of Anne Frank marks a reunion with Summer Place board member and South Pacific poducer Steve Koek, who will co-produce The Diary of Anne Frank with his wife, Andi Koek.
“Jorge gave the cast of South Pacific an experience none of us will ever forget,” Steve said. “I was proud of the job he did and the final product. We had hoped that we would work together again someday and I am very excited to work with him so soon, and on such an important and impactful project.”
Summer Place Theater’s production of The Diary of Anne Frank opens the weekend of July 10, 2020, at Naperville Central High School. Auditions will be held in early May 2020. Season tickets are now available for the 2020 season. Check back soon as more information becomes available, or sign up for the Summer Place Newsletter to be updated automatically by filling out the form below.