The Diary of Anne Frank is a renowned play that brings to life the poignant and compelling story of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who, along with her family, goes into hiding during the Holocaust.
Based on Anne’s actual diary entries, this adaptation incorporates newly discovered writings from Anne’s diary as well as survivor accounts that illustrate the claustrophobic realities of their lives – and yet, the constant secrecy, growing hunger and the friction of living in such cramped conditions cannot dull Anne’s vibrant personality or her passion for living.
This is the story of a popular teen-aged girl, trapped and isolated from the world at a time in her life when she is growing up and discovering who she is.
When asked why he chose this show, director Rick Bolstad stated, “2024 is the 80th Anniversary of the end of the second world war. This production opens on Remembrance Day weekend. This is the right play at the right time.”
The cast features two families: the Franks, including smart, precocious, fun-loving Anne, played by Miranda Scarlett along with her sister Margot (Mathilde Gagnon), father Otto (Dwayne Wohlgemuth) and mother Edith (Malora Clayton).
The second family – the bickering Van Daans – features Mr. Van Daan (Laurie Broughton), his wife (Alta Pocedic) and their teenage son Peter (Liam Hatch).
Rounding out the cast are Mr. Dussel (Christopher Johnson) a nervous, crochety dentist who arrives further cramping the tight living space, and Miep Gies (Monica Zweier) and Mr. Kraler (Glenn Smith), their only contact with the outside world.
This performance contains some sensitive content.
Performances run Nov. 8, 9, and 10 and Nov. 15, 16 and 17 at the Manluk Theatre for the Performing Arts, 5002 53 Ave., Wetaskiwin.
Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with matinees at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets are available at manluktheatre.ca or Dalcon Visual Arts at 4940 50 St., Wetaskiwin.
