‘Diary’ a Powerful Play
‘Diary of Anne Frank’ portrayed a little girl’s perspective of war.
From left, Griffin Lee, Zoe Yeager, Olivia Hungate, Nathaniel Warren, and Nick Hyden star in “Diary of Anne Frank.”
December 15, 2019
After three months of preparing for the play, Spring-Ford’s theatre group displayed an impactful performance for their audience on November 15 and 16. This fall, the play was based on the inspirational story of Anne Frank.
“I have always found her story inspirational. She faced some terrible days but always remained positive in her outlook,” said Aimee Oblak, a teacher and director of the play at Spring-Ford. “I also think that the message of the show is one that cannot be forgotten.”
The play, “Diary of Anne Frank,” is about a Jewish girl who lived and died during the fearful time of the Holocaust. The play emphasized the daily lives, routines, and struggles of the Frank and Van Dann family. The main character, Anne, kept a diary during the frightful two years she and her family spent hiding about the traumatic events generally going on at the time. In addition to that, the diary outlined the struggles she faced as a teenager trying to be heard in her family.
The cast includes Anne Frank (Olivia Hungate), Otto Frank (Nathanial Warren), Edith Frank (McKinley Linn), Margot Frank (Lindsey Edwards), Miep Gies (Zoe Yeager). In addition, Mrs.VanDaan (Emerson Mueller), Mr. VanDaan (Caleb Dean), Peter VanDaan (Nick Hyden), Mr. Dussel (Josh Kubinsky), Mr. Kraler (Griffin Lee), Officer (Dylan Clark), and Second Man (Gabriel Peck).
Throughout the several weeks of preparing for the performance, the cast, stage, and tech crew, truly got the chance to get closer on a deeper level. Old relationships were strengthened and new ones had formed.
“I think that I definitely have gotten closer with a lot of people in the cast, especially McKinley,” said Mueller. “I would have never met Katherine if I didn’t do the play, and she’s just so amazing!”
The actors also had the opportunity to connect and empathize with their characters.
“On a day to day basis, I would say what is most memorable is watching the students connect with their characters and connect with each other,” Oblak said.
Due to the hard work and time invested into the play, “Diary of Anne Frank,” Spring-F
ord’s cast and crew displayed an incredible performance. In addition to presenting an amazing performance, several new relationships and memories emerged among the cast and crew.
