Overview

Synopsis

The Diary of Anne Frank is one of the most famous and haunting stories to emerge from the 20th Century. The memoirs of this young Jewish girl, forced to hide for nearly two years to escape Nazi persecution, are an essential part of how we remember one of the darkest periods of our human history. Wendy Kesselman’s adaptation of the original, Pulitzer Prize award-winning script by Goodrich and Hackett draws from previously unpublished parts of Anne Frank’s real-life diary, allowing the audience to experience Anne in a way that breathes life into this passionate, complex young woman. We also share her relatable experience of adolescence as a familiarly modern teenager. For nearly two years, Anne, her father, mother, and sister, joined with the Van Daan family to hide in a secret annex space above her father’s former office in Amsterdam, as the Nazis deported Dutch Jews to their deaths. In her secret attic, Anne comes of age: she laughs, plays, fights with her mother, and falls in love for the first time. In spite of her oppressive circumstances and the horrors that surround her, Anne’s spirit transcends, as she voices her belief, “in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.” Anne’s dynamism, her luminous spirit, and her story of resilience continue to resonate deeply, making her story as vital today as when her diary first was published.

Show Information

Based On Book By
Frances Goodrich , Albert Hackett
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1997
Genres
Drama, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Unit/Single Set, Period
Time & Place
amsterdam, holland, world war ii
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Early Teen, Late Teen, Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Anne Frank

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Otto Frank

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Edith Frank

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Margot Frank

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Peter Van Daan

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Petronella Van Daan

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Putti Van Daan

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Jan Dussel

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Mr. Kraler

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Miep Gies

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Nazi Officers (3)

Featured

Male

Spoken

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    A character in their teenage years, often portrayed as navigating identity, rebellion, and emotional growth.

    Prejudice against Jewish people, explored in dramatic works to reveal social injustices and historical persecution.

    The Nazi secret police, appearing in historical plays to symbolize fear, repression, and authoritarian control.

    The Jewish Festival of Lights, referenced in theatre to convey cultural heritage, identity, and tradition.

    The genocide of Jews and others by Nazi Germany, portrayed in theatre to memorialize victims and examine human cruelty.

    A powerful female figure who leads a family or social group, often featured in dramatic works as a symbol of strength, tradition, or authority. Matriarchs play pivotal roles in both classical and contemporary theatre as central moral or emotional anchors.

    A symbol of Hanukkah and Jewish identity, often used in theatrical settings to signify faith, culture, or ritual.

    The male head of a family or group, often dramatized in theatre to explore power, legacy, and traditional authority.

    A prestigious U.S. award for achievements in journalism, literature, and drama. Many modern plays that reflect social and political themes have received this honor.

    A deadly disease sometimes referenced in historical or war-themed theatre to highlight societal collapse or suffering.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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