The Diary of Anne Frank

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Shakespeare in Action proudly presents its critically-acclaimed production of The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, adapted by Wendy Kesselman. Opening March 15 and running to March 31, at the Al Green Theatre in the Miles Nadal JCC, the show coincides with March Break so that families can share the story together.

The Diary of Anne Frank captures the horror and cruelty of the Holocaust. As Anne’s family hides from Nazi tyranny, the young woman’s account of courage, love and human resilience transcends the chaos.

“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.”

Directed by Artistic Director Michael Kelly, this production brings Anne’s heart-warming story to the Toronto stage for a new generation, featuring a superb cast of professional actors.

Sascha Cole returns in the central role of Anne as do Chris Karczmar and Alexis Koetting as Mr. and Mrs. Frank.  Matthew Deslippe and Catherine McNally are featured as Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan and Cindy Block, Shaun Clarke, Kaitlin Janisse and Dan Karpenchuk complete the ensemble cast.

When Shakespeare in Action produced it last year at Central Commerce Theatre, NOW Magazine called it  “touching and emotionally rich, with a nod both to the tension of the story and the warmth of family relationships.”  Scenechanges.com noted that “under the direction of Michael Kelly, The Diary of Anne Frank is a sterling production with a first rate cast.” The Jewish Tribune said, “The actors strike the right notes in each scene: their emotions and interactions are genuine and the dialogue is fresh. From start to finish, the audience is moved not just to tears but also to delighted laughterŠ”

Sascha Cole, one of Toronto’s most talented emerging young actors, has earned rave reviews in productions including Shakespeare in Action’s The Diary of Anne Frank last year, CanStage’s Rock’n’Roll and Factory Theatre’s Bethune Imagined. She says, “The story of Anne Frank has the power to shed light on the darkest and most illuminating aspects of human behaviour. We see a creative soul thriving within the violent oppression of her time, and her story is a testament to the resilience of humanity and youth. I am excited to take on this formidable role.”

Shakespeare in Action was established in 1988 by Founding Artistic Director, Michael Kelly, and continues to bring Shakespeare and other timeless stories to young audiences and families across Ontario through innovative programs and critically acclaimed theatre productions. Shakespeare in Action is a professional, multi-racial theatre company that aspires to enhance the arts and education through exploring and performing Shakespeare and other classic plays.

Shakespeare in Action presents The Diary of Anne Frank

Directed by Michael Kelly

Featuring Sascha Cole as Anne and Cindy Block, Shaun Clarke, Kaitlin Janisse, Chris Karczmar, Dan Karpenchuk, Alexis Koetting, Mat Deslippe and Catherine McNally

Lighting and set design by Glenn Davidson

Costumes conceived by Lori Hickling and designed by Courtney Cathers

Sound design by Thomas Ryder Payne

Al Green Theatre in the Miles Nadal JCC, 750 Spadina Ave.

Opens March 15 and runs to March 31, 2012

Performances: Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm

with matinees Mon-Fri at 10am and additional matinees Mon and Wed at 1:30pm

Tickets: $25 + HST; $18 + HST students/seniors

Box Office:  Call 416 703 488 or online at www.shakespeareinaction.org