“The Diary of Anne Frank” Comes to the Andria Stage

In a month focused on women’s history, the Andria Theatre delivers a play that highlights an intelligent young girl amid the horrors of World War II. “The Diary of Anne Frank“, adapted by Wendy Kesselman, opens at the Andria Theatre on Thursday, March 7th. The two-week run gives you ample opportunities to get a glimpse into the famous story of the young Jewish girl and her account of more than two years of hiding from the Nazis. The drama brings to light the challenges of living in a concealed storage attic with seven other people, including Anne’s sister and parents.

On stage are a number of great performances, but a tip of the hat to the young actresses who plays the role of Anne Frank. Ruby Chipman, like Anne Frank, is only 13 years old, but she is able to squeeze life and emotion out of each of her many lines. The Andria Theatre website shares a line from Anne’s diary: “When I write, I shake off all my cares. But I want to achieve more than that. I want to be useful and bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death!” 

If you want to experience a bit of history that shares the fear, hope, laughter and grief of a group of people in one of history’s darkest hours, this is a compelling performance to see.

Performances are March 7-9 & 14-16, at 7pm, Sundays March 10 & 17 at 2pm at the Andria Theatre. The address is 618 Broadway Street in downtown Alexandria. You can get tickets online or by calling the box office during business hours (11a-5p) and one hour before show time. (320) 762-8300.

The cast of the show include:

Anne (Ruby Chipman), Margot (Myah Hartman), Mrs. Frank (Lindsey French), Mr. Frank (Kevin Bienias), Mrs. Van Daan (Karen Hunt), Mr. Van Daan (Michael Ardito), Peter Van Daan (Blake Steussy), Mr. Düssel (Kip Sundlee), Miep (Amythyst Brownfeild), Mr. Kraler (Rick Dusterhoft), Nazi Officer (John Thalmann), “Person” 2. (Lea Kotikambe), “Person “3. (Evelyn Westerberg).

The show is directed by Claudia Bursch. She has recently shared of her connection to this story and her recent visit to the annex now known as the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Claudia says that her ancestors on her mother’s side are from the Netherlands, so there is that tie to the story as well. Bursch says in the show’s program notes that she always knew that Anne was only 13-14 years old when she was hiding, but it didn’t really sink in until she had several girls that age audition for the part of Anne. She says, “They were so young, their voices so delicate and they were so shy.” Claudia adds that she was “thunderstruck with the realization of how young Anne had really been!”

The photos below are from the Tuesday, March 5th rehearsal.