Premiere Stages at Kean University presents Hannah: The Compelling Story of Freedom Fighter Hannah Senesh

(UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages, the professional theatre celebrating its seventh year in residence at Kean University continues its 2011 season with Hannah, a stirring portrait of WWII freedom fighter Hannah Senesh by John Wooten.  Directed by Adam Immerwahr, Hannah runs at the Zella Fry Theatre September 1 through 18, 2011. The exceptional cast features veterans of Broadway, off-Broadway, television and film including Liz Wisan, Alan Coates, Jean Tafler, Michael Satow, Drew Hirshfield, Kayla Maisonet, Tony Mowatt and Maxwell Eddy.

Based on actual events, Hannah tells the story of the poet turned war hero who parachuted behind enemy lines, and risked her life to help Jews escape from Nazi occupied Hungary.  The play is a moving and powerful portrayal of a young woman's fearless commitment to making the world a better place.

Hannah is presented in partnerships with The New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education and Kean University's Jewish Studies and World Affairs program, The Holocaust Resource Center, the Kean Masters program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, the Human Rights Institute and the Women's Studies program.  These collaborations are part of Premiere Stages' Human Rights Initiative, an ongoing project that links performance with the exploration of human rights and social justice.  Hannah provides a platform to explore the lingering effects of the Holocaust, to honor both its victims and heroes, and to remind patrons of the lessons learned.

A special performance on September 8th includes a catered pre-show celebration of Hannah's life at 6 pm in the Kean Human Rights Institute gallery, a performance at 8 pm and a champagne toast with the cast at 9:30.  Proceeds will benefit the Holocaust and Genocide Studies Programs at Kean.

Tickets to Hannah are $25, with discounts available for seniors, patrons with disabilities, students and groups of 10 or more, and can be ordered at 908-737-SHOW (7469).  Premiere Stages offers air-conditioned facilities and free parking. All facilities are fully accessible spaces. Patrons should call for a list of sign-interpreted, audio-described or open-captioned performances. Large print programs are available at all times.  Publications in alternate formats and other assistive services are available with advanced notice.

Premiere Stages is made possible in part through funding from The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, The Provident Bank Foundation, The New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and through the generous support of individual patrons.

Premiere Stages is located on the Kean University campus, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ.  For further information call 908-737-4092, email premiere@kean.edu or visit www.kean.edu/premierestages.