Anastasia Korbal to Star in Media Theatre's THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, 1/29-2/16

The Media Theatre is producing the 1997 adaptation of the legendary play "The Diary of Anne Frank" January 29 to February 16, 2014. Wendy Kesselman adapted the play when it was revived on Broadway, based on the original text by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. The revival was nominated for several Tony awards.

The fact-based show is based on the writings of Anne Frank composed in her journal during the two years her family was hidden from the Nazis in war-torn Amsterdam.

In the Kesselman adaptation newly discovered writings from Anne's diary are interwoven, as well as survivor accounts.

Jesse Cline directs The Media Theatre's production which features a cast of Actors Equity Association members. Anastasia Korbal, of New Jersey, will portray Anne Frank. The 14 year old actress has appeared in three National Tours, including "Les Miserables", "Little House On The Prairie", and "Annie". Her credits also include "Oklahoma!", "The Miracle Worker", "The Secret Garden", and "Gypsy".

Dana Gitlin will take on the role of Margot, Anne's sister. Gitlin has been seen in National Tours of "Hair" and "Virtually Me!". She is and NYU graduate who also attended Carnegie Mellon.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank will be played by Paul Dake and Margaret DeAngelis. The roles of Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan will be brought to life by Scott Langdon and Anne Connors, who appeared together in Cline's production of "Mame" recently.

Sarah Lynn Dewey will be Miep, the secretary who helps to hide the Frank family. Terrence Gleeson will be Mr. Kraler, with P. Brendan Mulvey as Dussell.

The vital role of teen Peter van Daan, who shares a first kiss with Anne Frank, will be double cast. Owen Mannion, who has been studying at The Media Theatre for five years, has his first professional performance in the role. He shares the role with Austy Hicks, who is currently wowing audiences as youngest brother Benjamin in Cline's "Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat".

Cline says, "Both of the young men playing Peter define the best of what we do here. We cultivate young talent with proper training and allow them the opportunity to work with professionals who treat them as equals. Both have bright futures ahead of them."

He looks forward to the production. "The cast, all of them, are top notch and perfect for the roles," he said. "It's an important show with relevant themes."

For more information, or to purchase tickets for "The Diary of Anne Frank", call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Group rates are available.

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