The Heidelberg University School of Music & Theatre will stage the dramatic presentation, “The Diary of Anne Frank,” to kick off its performance season Sept. 21-24 in Gundlach Theatre.
“This is such an important show right now, given the way our country is talking about hate,” said director Stephen Svoboda. “To me, every generation needs to be reminded of this story.”
“The Diary of Anne Frank” details the two years of the teenager’s life during World War II, a time when she and her family were forced into hiding to escape from the Nazis. The play chronicles the writings from Anne’s diary when her family was in hiding in the “Secret Annex” in Amsterdam. In addition to news of the war and their everyday life, Anne provides insights into her feelings of isolation and loneliness, her struggle to define herself and her relationships amid an environment of oppression, and even a hint of optimism at times.
Cast in the lead role of Anne Frank is Emma Brockwell, a sophomore psychology major from Maineville. Junior Sam Stohlman, a theatre major from Willoughby, will play the role of Otto Frank, Anne’s father. Heidelberg geology professor Amy Berger will play Edith Frank, Anne’s mother, while Megan Cook, a senior education major from Sandusky, will play Margot Frank, Anne’s older sister. Also cast in the production are: senior Kyrsten Lilly, a biology/psychology major from Amherst, as Miep; junior Ethan Miller, an English/theatre major from Rittman, as Peter Van Daan; junior Joe Boehler, a theatre major from Tiffin, as Mr. Kraler; junior Connor Applegate, a theatre/business administration major from Ashland, as Mr. Van Daan; senior Mackenzie James, an English major from Sandusky, as Mrs. Van Daan; and sophomore Austin Buckhalter, a political science/theatre major from Chicago, as Mr. Dussel. Sophomore Alex Singleton, a business administration major from Canton, Mich., senior Kory Wise, a religion/English major from Tiffin, and sophomore Cameron Lyons, a music/theatre major from Bryan, round out the cast.
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday (Sept. 21-23) with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday (Sept. 24). Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased by visiting www.gundlachtheatre.org.