BWW Reviews: THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK - A Classic At Theatre Three

The Diary Of Anne Frank is truly a remarkable play heart wrenchingly highlighting the atrocities too many people unnecessarily endured simply because of the religion they were brought up on. Theatre Three's incarnation of the Tony winning classic, written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, is wonderfully directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, who is also the Artistic Director of the Port Jefferson venue. Now running through May 4th, the cast is beyond talented as they tell this horrifying tale of a young girl unwillingly forced to grow up too fast.

Ashley Iadanza beautifully portrays Anne Frank, a teenager who keeps a diary as she, her family, and another family, hides away in a small attic during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War I. With all that was going on, Anne was still her bubbly, talkative self as they were practically cut off from everything beyond the walls they were confined in; news, friends, family members. Everyone's frustration eventually began to show in the fighting and bickering as they were together for almost two years.

Anne hides in the small attic with seven other people. Among Anne's immediate family was her father Otto Frank, fantastically portrayed by Theatre Three vet Steve McCoy. Edith Frank, Anne's emotionally charged mother, is stunningly portrayed by Linda May. She has, understandably, several meltdowns throughout the duration they are hiding away. Their mother/daughter relationship is distant as they simply don't connect. She seems to have a smoother relationship with Margot, Anne's older sister portrayed by Jacqueline M. Hughes.

The other family that went into hiding with the Frank's was the Van Daan's. This includEd Hermann and his wife Petronella, portrayed by Paul Nystrom and Marci Bing respectively, and their teenage son, Peter, portrayed by James D. Schultz. Additionally, Alfred Dussel, the neighborhood dentist portrayed by Stephen Doone, joined the group a little while after everyone was settled in the "Annex" as they called it.

Also among the cast was Jenna Kavaler who portrayed Miep Gies, one of the workers at the office, who helped them go into hiding. Also helping them was Mr. Kraler, Mr. Frank's business partner portrayed by Andrew Markowitz. They were both instrumental in getting them supplies, food, and keeping them updated with the war.

The aforementioned "Annex" was the space above the office that Mr. Frank and Mr. Kraler owned. Done by Randall Parsons, the stage was skewed with old desks, other old furniture, a makeshift kitchen, and not much else. It was probably intended to be an actual apartment. The bi-level set also had a small crawl space above their "common room" where Anne and Peter eventually had a few dates away from family so they could talk privately. There was also a small skylight that they could see outside longing for their freedom.

I'm sure everyone has read the book version of The Diary Of Anne Frank, but to see this story on the stage takes everything to another level. And with Theatre Three's cast, what they endured will shake you yet again.

The Diary Of Anne Frank is presented by Theatre Three located at 412 Main Street in Port Jefferson, Long Island through May 4^th. Written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, Newly Adapted by Wendy Kesselman, Directed by Jeffrey Sanzel, Scenic Design by Randall Parsons, Costume Design by Randall Parsons and Bonnie Vidal, Lighting Design by Stacey Boggs, Properties by Julie Hoffman, Technical Design by Neil Creedon of Avancy, Inc., Stage Management by Michelle Manda. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 928-9100 or visit http theaterthree.com.