Last Weekend to see "The Diary of Anne Frank" presented by Mainstage Center for the Arts

Amazing, moving, powerful are just a few of the words audience members used to describe The Diary of Anne Frank after last weekend’s performance at the Dennis Flyer Theater, Camden County College. The production continues tonight, February 17 and Saturday, February 18, 7:30 pm.

It tells the story of Anne Frank, her family and friends who hid in an annex in Amsterdam in attempt to avoid persecution by the Nazis. It is based on the journal entries into Anne’s Diary. This adaptation is an expansion of the original by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. It includes previously deleted writings from the diary, as well as survivor accounts, which are interwoven to create a contemporary, impassioned story of the lives of people persecuted under Nazi rule.

Perry Award-winning director Chris Melohn directs this production. He said, “It seems as if many parts of the world have still not learned from the horrors and inhumanity of the Holocaust. For example, Otto Frank desperately tried to get his family out of Europe, writing letters requesting help to secure Visas that would enable the family to immigrate to the United States. And here we are now with Syria; families risking everything to escape crossing the Mediterranean Sea on lifeboats while many countries debate the amount of refugees they’ll accept. This makes it even more important for new generations to learn from Anne's message and teachings. The play shows audiences that victims of war are real people. Hers is a story that remains relevant in 2017.”

The cast of Anne Frank is comprised of actors from South Jersey and Pennsylvania Anastasia Korbal of Cinnaminson portrays Anne Frank, the lively, witty girl who documents her thoughts and experiences during two years in hiding from the Nazis. Living with Anne in the hideaway are her father, Otto Frank (Peter Zielinski of Mt. Laurel, NJ); mother, Edith Frank (Casey Williams-Ficarra of Philadelphia); sister, Margot (Taylor Ressler of Philadelphia); Mr. Dussel (Newton Buchanan of Philadelphia); the Van Daan family, which includes Mr. Van Daan (Brock Vickers of Philadelphia), Mrs. Van Daan (Sarah J. Gafgen of Philadelphia), and their son, Peter (Alan Krier of Maple Shade), a quiet teenager whom eventually befriends and becomes close to Anne. Carleigh Cusick of Washington Township plays an Anne Frank double during two narrations.

Those in hiding are only able to survive with the help of trusted confidants including Miep Gies (Meredith Beck of Philadelphia).

To experience the timeless relevance of Anne Frank's words, attend Mainstage Center for the Arts' production of the Diary of Anne Frank, February 17, and 18, 7:30 pm in the Dennis Flyer Theatre, 200 College Drive, Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ. Ticket prices are $13 for seniors/students and $16 or $21 for adults.. To order tickets, visit www.mainstage.org, or call 855-936-2467, ext 3, or purchase at the door. "The Diary of Anne Frank" is sponsored by Meadows Diner and Royal Bank America. The Mainstage season is sponsored by Comegno Law Group and Horizon Foundation for NJ.

Photo credit: Dave Gruen.