The Diary of Anne Frank--Digital PROGRAM

The Diary of Anne Frank

by Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett

SYNOPSIS

In this play, “Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl, who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit, and determination. An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic, TheDiaryofAnneFrankcaptures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence—their fear, their hope, their laughter, their grief. Each day of these two dark years, Anne’s voice shines through: ‘I have often been downcast myself…but never in despair. I can shake off everything if I write. But…and that is the great question…will I ever be able to write well? I want to so much. I want to go on living even after my death.’” And she does.

* Quotation from https://www.dramatists.com/cgi-bin/db/single.asp?key=2866

SCENES

THE TIME: During the years of World War II and immediately thereafter. THE PLACE: Amsterdam

Act I, scene i………………………………………………….November 1945, Late afternoon

Act I, scene ii…………………………………………………………….July 1942, Early morning

Act I, scene iii……………………….…September 1942, A few minutes after 6 p.m. Act I, scene iv…………………………………Several months later, Middle of the night Act I, scene v……………………………December 1942, The first night of Hanukkah

—Intermission—

Act II, scene i…………………………………………………….January 1944, Late afternoon

Act II, scene ii……………………………………………March 1944, Evening, after supper Act II, scene iii…………………………….……..A few weeks later, Middle of the night Act II, scene iv……………………………………………………A few weeks later, Afternoon Act II, scene v…...……..November 1945, Late afternoon, As in the first scene

Emmalee Campbell (Mrs. Van Daan) is a freshman making her second appearance with the TAHS theatre department. Previously, Emmalee appeared as Mrs. White in last fall’s production of Clue:OnStage. Outside of TASD, she acted in Brenda Fager’s Chasing theCarpeDiem(Sato) in Wilkes-Barre. She is thrilled to be a part of this cast and call herself the youngest actor on stage. Emmalee thanks her dad, mom, sister, and friends for encouraging and supporting her.

Sarah DeMarco (Anne Frank) is a sophomore last seen on our stage singing and dancing in the title role in Annie.Other credits include Clue:OnStage (Singing Telegram Girl), Moliere’s Tartuffe(Damis), our live radio show production of It’saWonderfulLife! (Zuzu Bailey & others), and TheSoundofMusic (Brigitta). Other extracurriculars include dance, swimming, band, the Advanced Vocal Choir, and Steering Committee. She’d like to thank all the people who influenced her love for acting and theatre.

Eris Dickson (Margot Frank) is a sophomore last seen on our stage as Pepper in Annie. She has acted in three other TAHS shows including Clue:OnStage (Yvette), the staged reading of Tartuffe (Flipoté), and our live-streamed radio play production of It’sa WonderfulLife!(Janey; Annoyed Neighbor). Eris is obsessed with face painting and SFX. She loves theatre with her whole heart and is the definition of a theatre kid!

Kaden Gaudet (Mr. Frank) is a senior who is thrilled and honored to be a part of this production. Past performances include Annie(Rooster), Clue:On Stage(Mr. Boddy), Tartuffe(Officer), and It’sa WonderfulLife!(Uncle Billy and others). He would like to thank his directors for all of their help in making this production great. He would like to dedicate this show to the real Frank family and to all who risked their lives for the safety of others during the Holocaust.

Heidi Knoss (Mrs. Frank) is a junior in her fourth production to date. She was in the casts of Annie (Cordell Hull; Ensemble), Clue:OnStage(Cook), and, during her 7th grade year, the IC production of Disney’s BeautyandtheBeast(Cogsworth). She would like to thank the dedicated directors, stage crew, cast members, and all others involved in making this performance a success.

Parker McMickens (Peter Van Daan) is making his TAHS Theatre Department debut as a freshman. He dances and has appeared on stage in TheWizardof Oz(Tinman) for the Whipple Performing Arts Studio. Parker is also on the Class of 2026 Steering Committee.

Tyson Pherreigo (Mr. Van Daan) is a junior who first appeared on the TAHS Theatre Department stage in Clue:OnStage(Professor Plum) followed by Annie (Harold Ickes; Ensemble). He is grateful to play this role.

Christopher Taylor (Mr. Dussel) is a senior who can’t wait to be in his first ever non-musical play! He played President FDR in last year’s production of Anniehere at Tunkhannock, and he also appeared in the Levittown School District’s productions of Mamma Mia(Sky & Pepper) and Disney’s Beautyandthe Beast(Lumiere). Christopher is the Treasurer for the FCCLA and is on the choral committee. He’d like to thank the theatre department, the stage crew, and his fellow actors for all they put into this show.

Natalia Vazquez (Miep) is a junior who is honored to take part in such an impactful and moving story which is this fall’s production. This is her second year participating in the TASD Theatre Department, having previously acted in Annie(Ensemble). She would like to dedicate her performance to her family and friends and give a special thanks to her fellow cast members, stage managers, and directors for their time, effort, and dedication in the creation of such a stellar production.

WHO’S WHO

Aiden West (Mr. Kraler) is an 11th Grade student doing his 5th show for the Tunkhannock Area Theatre Department. Some of his previous shows include Annie(Morgenthau; Police Officer), Tartuffe(Valere), and It’saWonderfulLife!(Sam Wainright). He is excited to perform this important piece of art for those who come to see it.

Ceejay Appel (Student Stage Manager) is a senior at TAHS. He has been working with the Theatre Department since his 8th grade year. He worked on the Light & Sound Crew for TheSoundofMusicand then as a Student Stage Manager for TheCurious Savage, TheDrowsyChaperone, It’saWonderful Life!, Tartuffe, Clue:OnStage, and Annie. Ceejay thanks the community and his family for the ongoing support! Support the arts!

Catherine Gundling (Assistant Student Stage Manager) is a senior and a valued member of the backstage team. She worked backstage for Clue:On Stage(stressed out stage assistant) and Annie(even more stressed out Assistant Student Stage Manager). When she’s not calling out lines at rehearsal or trying her best to move set pieces, she’s usually reading a book that will take her two days to finish or playing Pokémon video games like a nerd. She’s excited to continue her lass year at TAHS as a part of the theatre community. Go Tigers!

Nikko Albertson (Stage Crew) is a freshman and very excited for this year’s play! Having previously appeared in ChasingtheCarpeDiem(Mom, Dad, & Izzie) in Wilkes-Barre, this is Niko’s first time working on a TAHS play. Outside of theatre, Niko enjoys playing the saxophone, writing poems, and spending quality time with friends and family. “Thanks to Mom and my friends for this opportunity.”

Myah Dailey (Stage Crew) is a sophomore who loves everything about theatre! She appeared on stage in Annie(Ensemble) last year and hopes to be in many more productions. She is a member of the field hockey team.

Leah DeMarco (Stage Crew) is an 8th grader who appeared on the high school stage last year in Annie (Molly) and in our 2019 production of TheSoundof Music(Marta) during her 4th grade year. Other activities include field hockey, dance, band, and chorus.

Caitleyn Krause (Stage Crew) is a 10th grade member of our backstage crew. She worked stage crew for last year’s fall play Clue:OnStage, and then she appeared on stage in Annie(Ensemble). She is very grateful for the opportunity to be on the stage crew once again this year.

Allie Lamela (Stage Crew) is a junior who loves to be part of anything music-related. She was part of the stage crew for the IC production of TheAddams Familyduring her 7th grade year and last fall’s Annie. She loves to sing, draw, and animate. Allie dedicates her efforts to her amazing family.

Alixander Mason (Lights & Sound Crew) is a freshman who previously worked backstage on last year’s production of Annie.

Maddy McCrossen (Lights & Sound Crew) is a freshman who first appeared in our production of Clue:OnStage, beginning as an understudy and successfully stepping up into her role as the Unexpected Cop. She also appeared as Duffy in Annie.

Ruby Moyer (Lights & Sound Crew) is excited to work backstage for the first time with the Tunkhannock Area High School Theatre Department. She gives thanks to her family and friends for supporting her to get involved in something new. She has been a member of band for five years and marching band for one year, going to Band Fest and the Marywood celebration in 2021.

Taryn Ostir (Stage Crew) is a 10th grader who previously worked backstage on last year’s production of Annie. She has assisted back stage for several area dance recitals as well. She would like to thank the cast, directors, crew, and, of course, Ceejay, who introduced her to theatre.

WHO’S WHO

Carleigh Scholz (Lights & Sound Crew) is a 9th grader who is thrilled to be a part of this year’s production. She worked previously on last year’s Annie. Outside of theatre, Carleigh enjoys band and chorus and will continue to put effort into those subjects and all others throughout her high school career.

Jeremy J. Kemmerer (Director) is in his 15th year teaching English in the Tunkhannock Area School District, and this is his fifth year directing our extracurricular Theatre Department. He is currently working on his Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Education and hopes to continue working with students on the art of telling beautiful and significant stories through theatre. He himself last appeared on stage in a production of Romeo& Julietwith the Gaslight Theatre Company for the Scranton Fringe Festival (October 2022) as well as part of the repertory company of the Scranton Shakespeare Festival during the summer of 2021, appearing in the musical Ragtime(Father), Shakespeare's AMidsummerNight’s Dream(Egeus), and Shakespeare's Hamlet(Player King/Ensemble). He, his wife Jill, and their three children live in Clarks Summit.

Sheri Brown is in her 15th year teaching in the Tunkhannock Area School District. This is her second year as the Assistant Director of our extracurricular Theatre Department, having begun with last spring’s Annie. She loves working with the cast and crew and is thankful for such a hardworking and talented group. Sheri loves adventures, especially with her family. She, her husband Jimmy, and their two children reside in Clarks Summit.

Kevin Kreinberg (Technical Director) has been teaching at the Tunkhannock Area School District for the last 24 years. He teaches music lessons in grades 5-7, directs the 7th grade Concert and Jazz Bands, and codirects the 8/9 Concert and Jazz Bands. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from Marywood University and an M.S. in Effective Teaching from Wilkes University. He is the sound/lighting technician for the Intermediate Center Auditorium and worked on recent productions of Clue:OnStage(Fall 2021) and Annie(Spring 2002). He currently resides in Scranton.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

When schools in our district consolidated a few years ago and the 8th grade was moved up to the high school building, I was assigned to teach several sections of 8th grade ELA. For the first time in years, I re-read Goodrich & Hackett’s play adaptation of TheDiaryofAnneFrank. Not only was it a moving personal experience, but I was privileged to experience the wonder, confusion, laughter, dismay, and shock of these 8th graders as the horrors of the Holocaust and, specifically, the fears and the unknown which drove the Frank family and others into hiding became more than cold, non-relatable historical fact. It became a vicariously lived experience. Through my students’ eyes, I, too, experienced this stunning script for a second “first time.” I was reminded of the great irony of Anne Frank’s life—that her dream of being someone great…someone special…came true. She never became the great dancer or artist in the way she imagines in this play, but she achieved that dream in a posthumous, significant way which, in a sense, left a greater legacy than she could have imagined.

Putting on a Holocaust play in rural Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania needs to and should be done carefully. We are telling the story of actual people and actual events, albeit fictionalized. We must be sensitive to the events, the people, the culture, the traditions, and the evil. We must communicate it without ever—to even the smallest degree—making light of it or undervaluing it. Our mantra in studying these horrific events is the oft-stated “Never Forget.” We aim never to forget the evils of which humanity is capable. We tell this story to remember Anne and those who perished with her. We tell it to honor them. To memorialize them. To laud all those who senselessly and horrendously lost their lives to evil. We also tell this story for us— here and now. Because we, as collective humanity, don’t always learn our lessons well enough. Because we tend to repeat our mistakes. Because we tend to forget. So in 2022, when educational institutions are in the news for having “Jewish-free” events, and when an entire ethnicity or culture can be condemned, we stop. We pause. We question. We turn from potential evil before it is too late. We refuse to forget. We remember.

Mrs. Hannah Merkh, who was the Assistant Director for our productions for several years, is allowing me to share part of a transcript from a conversation she had with five Jewish individuals living at Elan Gardens in Clarks Summit. Each of these individuals lost close family members in the Holocaust. This conversation was from several years ago when she was playing the lead role in the Holocaust play AShayna Maidel, by Barbara Lebow.

Hannah: “I’m going to be completely honest with you, I feel unworthy to tell the story. It’s not my story or my family’s. I know I can't possibly understand the depth of what happened and how that continues to affect you. I feel like I need to ask your permission to even try to play this part.”

Resident #1: “It is good to feel insufficient.”

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Resident #2: “No, no, no. You must play this part. Every time you do your show, you honor us…you honor all of us. The evil of the Holocaust is so deep…to speak of it… to try to think of it…. I cannot let my heart become overwhelmed by that darkness. So, do I say nothing? Should I pretend it never happened?” (He began to cry.)

Resident #3: “It happened. Everyone must remember it happened.”

Resident #2: (Quietly, as he wiped his nose) “You become my voice. Please do that. It's not your story and it is not your family, but this tragedy does not belong to us. The truth that you are willing to carry this heavy burden is beautiful to me. It means that this evil mattered to more than just us, to more than my family, more than the Jews. Please never stop telling the stories.”

Those first 8th graders are now seniors, and it seems appropriate to tell this story now. It’s the right time. So how do we present a tale of sorrow with significance? How can we or should we be entertained by it? Is it right to “enjoy” this story? The answer is a resounding YES. Because telling the story is more than art. It’s truth. It moves and changes us. Right here. Right now. We must never stop telling these stories. Never.

Will Anne’s story change you? Will you let it?

SPECIAL THANKS

The Tunkhannock Area High School Theatre Department gives special thanks to the following:

• Mr. Bosscher, Mr. Dougherty, & the other members of the TASD Administration

• The TASD School Board

• The Intermediate Center Custodial Staff

• Scott Campbell

• Jeff Appel

• Anne DeMarco

• Parents of the Cast & Crew Members

• The TASD Community for your continued support of our students and the Arts in our district!!

• Marching Band Revue Monday, November 14 High School

• Winter Band & Chorus Concert Thursday, December 8 8th

• Winter Band & Chorus Concert Tuesday, December 13 7th

• Winter Band Concert Wednesday, December 14 High School

• Holiday Chorus Concert Friday, December 16 5th

• Winter Chorus Concert Monday, December 19 High School

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