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").