Diary of Anne Frank Spring Play Preview

For the spring play, Stage Wright Productions will be performing The Diary of Anne Frank! The show is a historical piece that follows the story of Anne Frank and 7 others who are forced into hiding because of Jewish persecution from the Nazis during World War II. The cast shared insightful information on what they think makes this play important and worth watching. 

Director Kristen Williams said it is important to see this show because of the similarities between the Diary of Anne Frank and what is happening in this community and the experiences of the student body. She felt that this would be a perfect time because of the parrellels of what is going on in Chicago with ICE.

“If we don't revisit history, we’ll forget, and we will just remake those mistakes that we’ve made in the past,” Williams said.

Similarly, Marie Gutierrez, who is understudy for all female characters, explains that this play is important because of the state that the U.S. is currently in regarding immigration. “I come from a family of immigrants, and this play really showcases that. This happened before, and it’s happening again,” said Gutierrez. 

Gutierrez feels that this play is very similar to our current reality and it spreads awareness of Anne Frank's story. “I feel like a lot of people don't really know the story of Anne Frank,” Gutierrez said. “Just come and see, and you can probably connect the dots with today's world and before.”

Daniel Blair, who is playing Peter Van Daan, states that his process through character development for his role has been a struggle for him because he has to play as a teenager who is unsure and has mixed emotions of what's happening around him in the world. 

 Joselyn Rodriguez, who is playing Anne Frank, said, “Me personally, it's essentially being a 13 year old again. I haven't been 13 in over 10 years so it's difficult.” Rodriguez describes her process and progression in character development as trying to tap into the mindset of the age she is trying to portray. 

When asked about the challenges or difficulties that the cast has run into, Matthew “Gibby” Gibson-Pometta, who is playing Mr. Van Daan, answered that they are playing people who have actually existed. He said that it is a constant thought to him to try and stay close to who these people were and what they stood for. He said that he does not want to “do them wrong or blemish their character.”

Nolan Crimmins revealed that his biggest challenge was learning the accent of his character, General Eisenhower. Crimmins explains that his character has a distinct accent that he had to study by watching videos to get his voice the closest he can to accuracy. 

Both Gutierrez and Crimmins have said that the cast is extremely supportive and close. Gutierrez stated that the cast helps one another by supporting each other and celebrating even the little victories. Crimmins expresses that the emotional level of support from the cast brings in dedication, loyalty, community, and closeness. 

“Never before have I been in a production that is so on the nose with its social commentary”, Gibson-Pometta said when asked about the uniqueness of this play. He goes deeper to say that it has helped him understand the significance and relevance of doing this specific play at this specific time. 

Likewise, Rodriguez agreed that it is unique how this play lines up with what is going on in our society at the moment. She expands on this by stating how this story can only be done in a way that is true to the actual events given its history. 

Williams discovered a shorter 1 hour and 20 minute version of this play that is adapted by Wendy Kesselman This play started with 3 different script versions and has undergone multiple changes to keep it within the time frame. Williams stated that people should come watch this play for the cast. She praised the cast of this play, stating that they are very talented and dedicated. “I would say they rival any college that has actual four-year theatre programs,” Williams said. 

Assistant Director Carson Starcevic credited the cast for the immense time and effort that they have put into this production. She said that coming to the show would be supporting the students and learning from the experiences that take place in this play. 

What's left is for you to come by and watch this play to get an understanding for yourself of the play and its relevance. Free student matinees are on Wednesday, March 11th at 2:00 p.m. and Thursday, March 12th at 11:00 a.m. The evening performances will be on March 12th, 13th, and 14th, all at 7:30 p.m. 

Peter Van Daan (played by Daniel Blair) and Anne Frank (played by Joselyn Rodriguez) with the Franks (played by Joel Sherwood and Therese Weimholt) rehearse on Feb. 17. Photo Credit: Gabriella Valentin.