The Diary of Anne Frank

WRITTEN BY: Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett
PERFORMED AT:
* Mandeville Hall, Clemens Center, Elmira
* Broadway Middle School, Elmira
PERFORMED ON:
* May 8-9 (7:30pm), 10 (2pm), 14-16 (7:30pm), 2009
* May 21, 2009
DIRECTED BY: Joe Edkin
PRODUCED BY: Elmira Little Theater
CAST:
* OTTO FRANK- Jerry Holleran
* ANNE FRANK- Sydney Stachyra
* EDITH FRANK- Amy Lange
* MR. DUSSEL- John Olcott
* MR. VAN DAAN- Greg Fusare
* MIEP GILES- Felisha Noble
* PETER VAN DAAN- Jordan Fisher
* MRS. VAN DAAN- Holly Campbell
* MARGOT FRANK- Morgan Troia
* MR. KRALER- Mike Carson
* MR. SILBERBAUER (OFFICER)- David A. Scott

PLOT: In Nazi-occupied Holland, Otto Frank and his family go into hiding because of increasing acts of persecution against Jews. Hidden in the rooms above Frank’s former place of business, the Franks, family friends the Van Daans, and a dentist by the name of Dussel try to avoid detection while waiting for Holland to be liberated. A drama, adapted from the book, based on a true story.

HISTORY: Although I'd initially considered trying out for this show (auditions being held February 26 and 28), the guarantee of a role in KLP's "Arsenic & Old Lace" changed those plans. However, my wife accepted director Joe Edkin's offer to become stage manager for "...Anne Frank". (Joe and Cindy had previously worked together on his "Jekyll & Hyde" play back in 2007.)
Originally cast as Otto Frank (Anne's father) was Pat Arndt. The previous year, Pat had directed a Corning Elks/ACT production of "Arsenic & Old Lace". I was slated to play Jonathan in the ACT version, but dropped out when performances were rescheduled from July to November, due (only in part) to Pat's physical health.
While I was in Hammondsport, playing Jonathan for KLP's "Arsenic", Pat's health issues were keeping him from attending "Anne Frank" rehearsals. Joe made a back-up plan, with Pat's awareness, that if Pat became too ill, producer Jerry Holleran would step in to play Otto instead. Jerry was playing a Nazi officer, a role then left vacant due to Pat's eventual replacement.
Made aware of the situation by Cindy, and knowing that "Anne" wouldn't perform until one week after "Arsenic", I emailed Joe to tell him that I was available to play the Officer. Counting my work in the stage crew during the last two performances of "Prelude To A Kiss" in February, my appearance in "Anne Frank" would mean that I'd been involved in every ELT show during the group's 2008/2009 season (the other shows being "Evita" and "Golden Age of Radio").