Tragedy can be tough.
Wayne S. Turney who directs The Diary of Anne Frank at DeSales University posits that the enduring success of this story, as in Greek tragedy, can be attributed to the audience wanting to learn something more.
The production currently running on the Main Stage at DeSales University in Center Valley, PA fulfills that goal as we learn more about life and hope in the Amsterdam attic.
"The Diary of Anne Frank," the journal of a Jewish girl who died in the Holocaust during the fnal days of World War II, has been a global phenomenon since it was first published in 1947.
The book was converted into a 1955 play and an Oscar-winning 1959 film by Hollywood scribes, Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett.
The story is familiar as most of us read the book in high school.
The play takes place over the two years that the Frank family and their friends hid in a small attic to avoid the Nazis who occupied Amsterdam. (If you ever visit Amsterdam, I suggest you go see the attic “ it was very small).
After being given a diary from her much adored father, Anne records all of her experiences during hiding.
This talented cast provided amazing insights with a challenging script that runs over two-and-a-half hours. They even managed to show us a little bit of levity as they brought us into life in that attic.
All the elements are there from the stunning painted scrim to depict the city and the wonderful scenic design by Will Neuert to the very effective lighting choices during the production.
Brett Lawlor as Otto Frank, did a fine job with the material he was given. He almost appeared too saintly at times, but one must remember that the story is told through the eyes of Anne who adores her father.
His closing monologue was very moving and showed the audience more of his humanity at the loss of his family.
Anne was well played by Emma Santschi who brought a joie dvivre to Anne in the beginning that displayed the expressions and physicality a 13 year old girl would have had.
Santschi developed the character well, including her tenuous relationship with her sister Margot (Tori Lewis) as she matures and starts to have different types of feelings for Peter Van Daan, played by Louis Jannuzzi III.
Jannuzzi had some shining moments as Peter being an awkward teenager, and he used them all very well. Peters parents, Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan, played by Catherine Nadeau and Jonathan Shehab, were entertaining throughout.
At times Ms. Nadeau sounded a little to Brooklyn for my taste; but the overall character dynamic was sound.
This pair also should be commended for staying in character even when they were not speaking.
Another gem is the part of Mr. Dussel played by Hal Miers.
Mr. Miers did a very good job with some rather one dimensional material and brought a great deal of life to the character.
Miep (Megan McGrath) and Mr. Kraler(Peter Danelski) were also well drawn by the actors.
Special mention should be made of the outstanding performance given by Anna Ritchey as Mrs. Frank. She totally personified the loving mother dealing with a petulant teen under trying circumstances.
When her patience runs out with their houseguest, her anger was palpable and very well done.
The concern in the 21st century will always be that in the almost 70 years since the end of the Nazi camps the Holocaust will be forgotten.
Lucky for us, this period piece and many other extraordinary works published since this work was brought to the page and stage ensure that the message will not be forgotten.
The Diary of Anne Frank runs to Sunday March 2, 2014 in the Main Stage, 2755 Station Ave, Center Valley, Pennsylvania 18034 ,
Tickets are $20 and $24,