Congratulations, Mr. Director!

Embrace Southern States is thrilled to extend a huge CONGRATULATIONS to the amazing and beloved Anthony Wayne Kalberg. His decades-long dream of directing the Tennessee Williams play “A Streetcar Named Desire” HAS BEEN ACHIEVED!

   Andy read the play while in high school and saw the movie in the 1970’s and had an unending desire to direct it ever since that time. First it was postponed due to Covid, then there were cast changes and various other obstacles. But, as they say, “the show must go on”, and indeed it did.

   The big event took place at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center located in beautiful downtown Ocean Springs, Mississippi. This historic 90-year-old structure was the town’s first public school building and went through several stages of renovation. Today it houses a theatre, classrooms, art galleries, and much more. Quality theatrical entertainment is made possible through collaboration with the Walter Anderson Theater Project.

   Andy, in his usual lovable and humble way, downplayed his own talent. He preferred directing the thanks to the cast, the “Mary C.”, the WATP, and the town of Ocean Springs.

Congratulations, Mr. Director, from a few of your fans.

   Sarah Qarqish, Arts and Culture Coordinator at the “Mary C.” had this to say, “Andy Kalberg is truly a special human being; the best kind of influencer who is quick witted, creative, and professional. He slaved away building incredible sets and directed an unforgettable play. Andy has inspired us all with his rare talent and infectious spirit. Andy is truly passionate and everything he touches is transformed into a work of art!”

   Rafe Oneal, Co-founder and Treasurer of WATP said, “The entire Board of Directors of the Walter Anderson Theater Project is thrilled to have played a role in Anthony Kalberg seeing his bucket-list show, A Streetcar Named Desire, produced.  Anthony has been an important part of WATP since its beginnings, both on stage as the star of our production of Scrooge-The Musical, and behind the scenes as set decorator on many of our shows, to finally, directing his dream show, A Streetcar Named Desire.  We are truly blessed to have had Mr. Kalberg on our team these last several years.  It is kind of fun working with a local legend!

   Per Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cynthia Sutton, “A huge congratulations to Director Kalberg. He is one great example of why Ocean Springs welcomes over 350,000 visitors each year to this colorful coastal community. We are a cultural mecca for fun, festivals, food, art, and heart. Ocean Springs is a one-of-a-kind artsy destination, just as Anthony Kalberg is a one-of-a-kind professional in everything he does.”

   When I asked Andy how he ever managed to rise above the overwhelming obstacles that kept popping up, here was his reply, “I signed up for this and take it very seriously. I have proven myself by staying the course and getting the job done.”    So, what else might Andy wish to direct in the future? He says that after a VERY long rest he would like to direct another famous Williams play, The Glass Menagerie.

Andy Kalberg is a joy to know and a pleasure to engage in conversation. Here is an excellent example from our recent chat. When I asked about his most endearing qualities, he replied, “God has given me the ability to encourage people when life gets them down. I can make people laugh too, with my silly stories, humorous Facebook pictures, and my crazy antics. Bringing humor into this sad old world…I like that best!”

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Helpful links: https://anthonykalberg.com https://www.facebook.com/themarycokeefe https://www.facebook.com/oceanspringschamberofcommerce

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