MHS Theatre Company Diary of Anne Frank
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment
before starting to improve the world.” - Anne Frank
The Milford High School Theatre Company (MTC) is proud to present The Diary of Anne Frank as its winter theatrical production. This play, written by Francis Goodrich and Albert Hackett and newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman, is the dramatic recreation of Anne Frank’s iconic diary. From their arrival in the Secret Annex to the daily ups and downs of being confined and scared, the occupants of 263 Prinsengracht are beautifully portrayed through the pen of a vivacious and tumultuous teen girl. Anne Frank furiously detailed her thoughts and feelings about her ever-evolving body and mind, about life in the Annex and about the outside world exploding around her. Her candid expressions and keen insights have made her diary not only a piece of history but also a remembrance for all the victims of the Holocaust. While many may only think of this story’s ending and its unbearable sadness, it is important to remember the hope, optimism and life Anne spun into each word. This play is funny and heartwarming in one moment and tense and poignant in the next. It is a journey; a journey each of us must remember so that this past is never forgotten.
The cast is made up of 9th through 12th graders: Alex Barhorst (12), Renee Beaudoin (11), Megan Buckner (12), Nancy Boyd (10), Gillian Cooper (12), David Drake (12), Ana Hauser (12), Cam Jones (12), Clayton Maxwell (9), and Kaleb Reilly (11). This year the MTC Theatre Director and MHS English teacher, Megan Weeks, is sharing directing responsibilities with Tom O’Brien, CPA Theatre Manager and MTC Technical Director. Together they are designing and staging the production along with help from student Stage Managers Allison Vernon (12) and Megan Pelzel (10). Rounding out the production crew are Mary Ann O’Brien (Assistant Technical Director), Lauren Aquilina (Costume Manager), and Madeline Drury (Dramaturge/
In addition to seeing the production, audience members will also have the opportunity to view and learn from a full Holocaust exhibit in the lobby. With help from Harriet and Dick Cooper, Madeline Drury and the cast/crew, the lobby will be adorned with biographies, pictures and information about not only the Anne Frank story but also that of other survivors and victims. There will also be information about other incidences of hate and intolerance in the world and how each of us must speak up even if to only save one life. As Anne reminds us, “Look how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” Anne is our candle and a constant reminder of how one voice can change the world. “Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.”
Please join us for this cultural and theatrical event. The curtain will rise in the Milford High School Center for Performing Arts at 7 pm on Friday, March 4th and Saturday, March 5th. Tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for students/seniors. Go to www.mhsperformingarts.com for information and to order tickets online. Tickets will be sold online from February 1st to March 3rd at 5 pm. After March 3rd, all remaining tickets will be sold at the door. If you are unable to find what you need on the website, please email Megan Weeks @ weeksm@huronvalley.k12.mi.us.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
