The Diary of Anne Frank

"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." Anne Frank's voice still reaches people today.

The Belleville Mennonite drama department will allow Anne Frank's voice to be heard through their production of The Diary Of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman. It will be preformed December 3-5 at 7:00 pm.

Ann Quinn, the head of the English and Drama departments at B.M.S., directs the play this year. The B.M.S. students involved in the play are Morgan Spicher as Anne Frank, Tyler Yoder as Peter Van Dann, Benjamin Knable as Mr. Frank, Samantha Ranck as Mrs. Frank, Michelle Zook as Margot Frank, Savannah Attlesperger as Mr. Van Dann, Kelsey Derstein as Mrs. Van Dann, Rebbeca Byler as Miss Dussel, and Annie Morgan as Miep.

"The great thing is that I'm teaching Holocaust literature to 9Th and 10th grade," Quinn stated. When Quinn is able she picks plays that not only get the audience's attention but pertain to what she is teaching in literature. Quinn said, "I picked this play out of teaching."

In preparation for the upcoming production the drama students have been practicing several nights a week, spending two hours each night. "I spend a lot of time out of school and practice to work on my part," said Morgan Spicher. "I practice during free times in class. I pick up my book and study." Sometimes it is hard to get the characterization even after practice. "It's challenging because she (Anne Frank) changes so much in the play," Spicher stated, "trying to think like her is hard, but I still like portraying her."

The life of Anne Frank is truly a great reminder of how oppression and opposition can affect a normal family. When the play begins the Franks are just going into hiding, then the next family, the Van Danns, are introduced. As the play progresses there is a new member, Miss Dussel, added to the Annex Family. The whole source of outside comfort is brought through the Frank family friend, Meip. As the Annex family is in the hiding place they share each other's everyday life, tears, laughter, joys, memories, and sufferings.

The Diary Of Anne Frank is a very special play. It not only is entertaining but it is also a very good reminder of the harsh realities of the holocaust. "It is very powerful and cautionary," Quinn stated, "the play is especially meant to remind, not only to entertain the audience."

The real purpose of The Diary Of Anne Frank is not to come and see an entertaining play, but to remember their lives and others that were lost. "I hope the audience becomes interested in the family and sees how normal they are and how the faces of oppression are similar to the people around us and even in ourselves." Quinn shared.

To see The Diary Of Anne Frank performed by the B.M.S. drama students tickets can be purchased at the door ($5 for adults, $3 for students) on December 3 - 5 before the 7:00pm show. Also while the audience waits for the play to begin they can view the work of the 9th and 10th grade literature's holocaust projects. On these nights Anne Frank's dream will once again become a reality. "I want to go on living even after my death."

Samantha Rank