Writing to Shake Off My Cares

The Diary of Anne Frank

When the audience enters the second floor of the Greenhouse Theater Center, they’ll find a huge display of materials that provide a background that will enhance the audience’s enjoyment and understanding of this new production. Arrive early enough to be able to learn more about WWII in Europe and the rise of the notorious Nazi Party. A prolific playwright and multi award-winning writer, Wendy Kesselman’s one-act adaptation of “The Diary of Anne Frank” is making its Chicago premiere in Lincoln Park. First produced last season at Nashville Children’s Theatre, this 75-minute version is designed to introduce to families the true story of a very brave, real young girl, her family and friends. Bringing this 13-year-old to life puts a face on the horrors of the nightmare called the Holocaust. The fascinating exhibit, on loan from the Anne Frank Center, provides a wealth of additional information that will make this presentation even more poignant.

Directed by Artistic Director Randy White and ably assisted by Sam Shankman, this exciting new production brings the familiar story up close and into the laps of the audience. Seated alley-style, theatergoers sit close to Jonathan Berg-Einhorn’s rustic, realistic setting. It’s as if we’re peering through the attic walls of the secret annex where the Franks and the van Daans hid from the Nazis. Nicolas Bartleson has dressed the rooms with an array of carefully chosen period props. The entire production is lit with mood and subtlety by Bridget Williams, while Cindy Moon’s costumes appropriately convey the early 1940’s.

Randy White’s direction is heartfelt, filled with a quiet energy that utilizes every inch of the claustrophobic scenic design. When the audience is focused on one or two characters, everyday activities can be seen going on in other parts of the secret annex. His guidance realistically illustrates how, despite the pressures of hiding out, life goes on.

The cast is led by the exuberant performance of Esther Fishbein, as Anne. This play, adapted from the actual diary kept by Anne Frank, is the young girl’s story. Writing to shake off her cares, every word, every gesture, every glance and thought by 

Ms. Fishbein depicts a typical adolescent, struggling and yearning for her independence. Unfortunately for Anne, events beyond her control or understanding confine her broiling enthusiasm for life. Just as the young teenager is entering puberty and longing for a means of self-expression, or perhaps just someone to just talk with, her ordinary life was brought to a halt. The inhumane treatment of the Jewish people by Adolf Hitler made everyone’s lives unbearable. But Anne’s adolescent angst absolutely bursts forth and fills the theater through Esther Fishbein’s brilliant, realistic performance.

The supporting cast is uniformly excellent, as well. The always wonderful Caron Buinis, seen all over Chicago, from Music Theater Works to the Marriott, is perfectly cast as Anne’s mother, Edith Frank. Theatergoers will empathize with her fear of being found by the Nazis, as well as her frustration at an inability to provide her young daughter with the love and understanding that she requires. Adam Bitterman brings a quiet dignity and compassion for his family and friends, as Otto Frank, Anne’s loving father. A talented actor who has appeared at Redtwist and City Lit Theaters, Mr. Bitterman brings respect and trust to the family of persecuted folks in hiding. A frequent face at Citadel Theatre, Juliana Liscio makes a charming and sweetly resonant Margot Frank, Anne’s shy, older sister. The actress provides wisdom and warmth, as she seeks to bring peace and comfort her younger sister.

The van Daan family, who have been graciously invited to share the Frank’s secret hiding place above Mr. Frank’s workplace, often provide the tension and conflict in the play. Amy Stricker (another actress often seen at Citadel Theatre) and David Krajecki (known for his TV and film work) are both very good as Mrs. and Mr van Daan, bringing humor, eloquence and dignity to their roles. By contrast, all their arguing and complaining often make their 16-year-old son, Peter, appear to be the more mature member of their family. He’s played with sensitivity, honesty and compassion by Roosevelt University student, Sam Hook. 

Jeff Broitman plays the stern Jewish dentist, Mr. Dussel. The two families reluctantly agree to take him in, after they’ve been in hiding for a short time. He becomes an irritable, complaining houseguest forced to sacrifice his privacy for the demands of communal life. Tamsen Glaser and Jake Busse play Miep and Mr. Kraler, the only contact with the outside world for the two families. Both actors, boasting resumes from all over Chicago, bring groceries, compassion and empathy to their Jewish friends in hiding.

Wendy Kesselman’s stirring adaptation of this historical literary classic boasts both excellent direction, a talented cast and superb supporting artistry by a top-notch technical team. Anne’s detailed diary, written to express herself and shake off her cares, is filled with heartache and hope. It’s remained one of the strongest reminders of the horror that triggered WWII. It’s also a testament to the power of the human spirit, as told through the eyes of a spunky, 13-year-old girl named Anne Frank. In the end, it’s unbelievable to note that this plucky teenager still believed, despite all the heinous happenings, that deep down inside people were good at heart.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February 16-March 24 by the Young People’s Theatre of Chicago at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the Greenhouse box office, by calling 773-404-7336 or by going to boxoffice@greenhousetheater.org 

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.