Ann Frank play next week at OA

Youth

October 31, 2008

"The Diary of Anne Frank" is Oldenburg Academy of the Immaculate Conception’s fall dramatic production. The play based on true events will be presented in the OA auditorium at 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 7-8.

"The Diary of Anne Frank," the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, is adapted from the 13-year-old Jewish girl’s diary. The Franks and several other families go into hiding to escape the Nazi persecution of Jews in 1940s Amsterdam.

“She records the laughter, grief, hope and fears of their two-year confinement in her diary. Surprisingly, the play is not dark and depressing,” explains director Therese Zins. “The show is filled with drama and the lighter moments of daily life, all seen through the eyes of a normal young girl. The audience experiences her dreams and idealism as she faces the most horrific evil of the 20th century.”

Cast members include Ashli Fledderman as Anne Frank; James Harrah as her father; Sarah Gorman as her mother; Meredith Brown as her sister; Dan Baltz as Anne’s father’s friend, Mr. Van Daan; Julia Horninger as Mrs. Van Daan; Matthew Dobbs as their son, Peter Van Daan; Brady Ripperger as the dentist who later joins the group; Jean Brunsman as Miep, the woman who helps the Franks; and Mark Brunsman as Mr. Kraler, the man who helps the families.

Jackie Fritsch, Amaryl Gruber and Will Bockstiegel portray Nazi soldiers.

Many students are also helping backstage.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to see a marvelous show,” says Rebecca Boyle, OA marketing communications coordinator.

Tickets at $5 for students and $7 for adults may be purchased at the door.