‘Anne Frank’ Show Inspires

Anne’s famous diary, written while her family and four other Jewish citizens hid from the Nazis in an Amsterdam attic, was published in 1947 and was condensed into a script for theater in 1955. On Jan. 17, Theatre Palisades brought Anne’s words to life during opening night at Pierson Playhouse.

Words from the diary outline the show while Sigi Gradwohl’s leading performance creates a beautiful portrayal of a young girl coming of age amid horrific circumstances.

Gradwohl’s Anne is appropriately bubbly and immature when the families first enter the attic, but she impressively transitions into maturity with the same clumsiness as most young girls do. Her performance has growing intensity and convincing dedication.

Sabra Miller is excellent as Mrs. Frank who, detested by her daughter Anne, endures the sting of rejection amid so many other burdens. Scenes shared between Mrs. Frank and Anne are some of the show’s most unique and unexpected successes.

Philip Barolf as Mr. Frank is equally impressive as Anne’s loving, gentle and thoughtful father whose final scene secures the show’s most uplifting theme in the shadow of its most tragic moment.

Craig Stevens as frustrated Mr. van Daan and Elise Falanga as his silly wife bicker and complain with heartbreaking believability. In one scene, Mrs. Van Daan’s breakdown over a seemingly unimportant belonging is a searing reminder of the anguish victims of the Holocaust endured.

There are also great contributions from the rest of the cast, including Garret Camilleri as Peter van Daan who slowly transforms from an awkward boy to Anne’s admirer and confidant, Courtney Long as prim and quiet Margot Frank, Art Roberts as the obnoxious Mr. Dussel, Phil Apoian as Mr. Kraler and Jessica Brydon as Miep. They remind the audience of those who risked everything to protect their friends.

Led by director Sabrina Ann Lloyd, assistant director Brynn Sillyman, set and light designer Sherman Wayne, sound designer Susan Stangl and costume designer June Lisandrello, Theatre Palisades creates a multi-dimensional world that makes this moving presentation of The Diary of Anne Frank one of Theatre Palisades’ best collaborations. Ultimately , it reminds the audience of Anne’s most powerful words: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

Anne Frank continues through Feb. 22, with shows Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.