Directed by Tom Lawrence, the cast includes several veterans of past productions.  The principal cast includes seniors Nicole Speziale, Anthony D’Antonio, Emily Reese, Cassidy Millott, Chase Lois, and Michael Spear along with juniors Mei Rao, Noelle Roman, and Matthew Cruser. Freshman Jake Marcone rounds out the cast. Otto Croshier, Patrick Quinn, and James Zeleznik have supporting roles. Juniors Katie Thorn and Emma Hall serve as Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager. The play, based on the famed diary, is by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett and newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman.

The Diary of Anne Frank is the familiar yet moving dramatization of life in hiding in World War II-era Amsterdam. The Frank and the Van Daan families suffer deprivations of basic life necessities and struggle to retain the essence of their future: hope. When asked why this show at this time, Director Lawrence replied that “the story of Anne Frank reveals the horrors of Jewish life in the Nazi era. The diary was published with the idea to restore hope for the future but to never forget what had happened. Her story of hope and simultaneous despair are universal. It needs to be preserved for all generations.”

During the weeks leading to the performances, the school will host a travelling exhibit from the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect called Anne Frank: A History for Today. The exhibit, which the public can view on performance dates, is free.

The show runs in the Monsignor Brinn Theatre at Our Lady of Lourdes High School on Friday and Saturday, November 22 and 23, at 7 pm and on Sunday, November 24, at 2 pm. Tickets, available at the door, are $15 for General Admission and $10 for students, seniors, and faculty. Produced through arrangements with Dramatist’s Play Service.