Audience Testimonials
“The production was really well done. It thoroughly conveyed the tension and the emotions of the families that were cooped up in the attic for months and months, hiding from their Nazi oppressors. I thought it was really cool that you decided to put this play on to coincide with Holocaust Remembrance day, and that you created a space to have a conversation about the play and about the Holocaust afterwards. I wanted to thank you for making my own remembrance day much more meaningful than it otherwise would have been. It is often easy to get lost in figures and facts about historical events and to lose the human element, and this play ensured that such a mistake would not be made by any audience members, forcing us to confront the immensity of the tragedy that took place not in terms of numbers, but in terms of individuals. ”
“Moving account of the vulnerabilities and strengths of the human psyche! Bravo💥”
“It was quite something to hear the words from Anne’s actual diary being spoken, echoing how I have always heard her voice in my head. Judy did a remarkable job embodying and conveying Anne’s rambunctious and passionate refusal to keep her writing or her spirit contained, reminding us that this adolescent girl resisted and insisted on authenticity, real relationships and humanity under inhumane conditions.”
“I was initially skeptical that any “free” event would be outstanding, but my expectations were blown out of the water. My son and I were transported from the first moment to the last. Thank you. This gem-of-an-evening turned out to be a highlight from our weekend in Boston.”
“That was an incredible performance!! Each character did such a great job! The small, intimate setting made me feel like I was hiding with them ♥️ The woman who played Anne, was outstanding!! She was our favorite! What an amazing play 👏👏👏👏👏👏 BRAVO!!”
“Just want to let you know that my husband and I absolutely loved your play! It was such a heartfelt and well acted performance! You brought Anne and her family to life in such thoughtful and poignant production.”
community engagement
How can we support communities affected by anti-Semitism in the present day?
Showing people the pain that is felt. They might feel empathy.
Educate those who are anti-semitic.
Be vigilant; the world is always changing, and not always for the better.
Remember! Remember!
Education!!! Travel!!!
Constant efforts towards policy and advocacy.
Preserving the history.
Foster a culture that breeds empathy, compassion, and love.
Education is key, especially when communities are suffering economically and emotions are high.
What is your earliest memory of Anne Frank?
I saw the show as a young boy and still remember to this how alive and relatable all of the characters were—the humanity of it all!
Reading the diary and carrying it to school in a lunchbox so it wouldn’t get damaged ❤️.
I read the Life Magazine article as a 4th grader in 1955. Very upsetting—the war and camps were never discussed before then in my home or childhood.
Reading “The Diary of Anne Frank” play while in 8th grade.
Reading the diary in elementary school.
I cannot remember not knowing who Anne Frank is.
Reading it in high school and then in my 20s visiting Holland and the museum.
Staff
Written by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich
Directed by Gregory Lipson
Produced by Gregory Lipson, Allison Scharmann, and Jamie Hawkins
Cast
Anne Frank … Judy Durkin
Mr. Frank … Everett Susman
Mrs. Frank … Natalie Nogueira
Margot Frank … Evie Fulda
Peter Van Daan … William Christenfeld
Mr. Van Daan … Noah Gold
Mrs. Van Daan … Sarah Araten
Miep … Abbie Sage
Mr. Kraler … Jake Corvino
Mr. Dussel … Ben Ubiñas
Additional Staff
Stage Manager … Hannah Printz
Assistant Stage Manager … Morgan Booker
Costume Designer … Rena Cohen
Props Designer … Rebecca Araten
Lighting Designer … Matt Walting
Sound Designer … DJ Kranchalk
Technical Supervisor … Jonathan Castillo
Production Advisor … Abigail Sage
Production Advisor for Jewish Culture … Sarah Shamoon
More Audience Testimonials
“My husband I both loved the intimate and simple nature of the theatre and set. Being so close to the actors made us feel like we were right there with them. This helped us feel the emotional intensity of the play. I have read The Diary of Anne Frank and seen the movie several times. Your play provided such a deeper more meaningful experience due to being so close to the actors, and how well each actor portrayed his or her part. The struggles of living in such tight quarters and for so long was very well depicted. I loved how the play started with Anne’s father finding her diary. While incredibly sad, it made us face the harsh reality of what happened and how devastated her father was. The complicated relationship between Anne and her mother was also poignant and well done.”
“Great job by everyone!”
“Thanks again for the wonderful show. It has been a highlight of our visit to USA. We were impressed by the format of the show, and the stage layout allowed us to be fully immersed in the world of Anne.”
“The opening night of the “Diary of Anne Frank” was superb. Excellent performances by each and every member of the cast. To call the acting “professional” is to understate the case”
“I truly enjoyed the performance. It was a well-crafted show with a strong cast. ”
“Thank you for the great show! With almost no props the performance created a whole world in ones mind, both optically as well as emotionally. Went there two times in a row.”
“Thank you so much to the The Diary of Anne Frank Team for a terrific performance, we truly enjoyed it!! All actors were exceptional, particularly Anne. Wishing you lots of success for the forthcoming performances.”
“Everything about the play was excellent. The actors were wonderful. The way Anne Frank seemingly matured both physically and emotionally as the years went by was quite amazing.”
Preview
Harvard Undergraduates Bring Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play, ‘The Diary of Anne Frank,’ To the Loeb: https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2019/4/23/diary-anne-frank-loeb-preview/