The Diary of Anne Frank

Wendy Kesselman’s adaptation of the original, Pulitzer Prize award-winning script by Goodrich and Hackett draws from previously unpublished parts of Anne Frank’s real-life diary. For nearly two years, Anne, her father, mother, and sister, joined with the Van Daan family, hide in a secret annex space above her father’s former office in Amsterdam as the Nazis deport the Jews of Holland to their deaths. In her secret attic, Anne comes of age: she laughs, plays, fights with her mother, and falls in love for the first time. In spite of her oppressive circumstances and the horrors that surround her, Anne’s spirit transcends, as she voices her belief that “in spite of everything, people are truly good at heart.” Anne’s dynamism, her luminous spirit, and her story of resilience continue to resonate deeply, making her story as vital today as when her diary first was published.

Join us after the shows on Sunday, Jan. 26; Thursday, Jan. 30; and Thursday, Feb. 6, for discussions led by Playhouse artistic director Katy Merriman with community leaders.

Performance Times:
7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays; 2:00 PM Sundays
School Matinees:
9:30 AM, Feb. 3-4, 2020
Theatre:
John Viars Theatre
Run Time:
2 hours plus a 15-minute intermission
Content Advisory:
The Playhouse does not rate subject matter as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have questions about content, age appropriateness, or other aspects of the show (ie strobe lights and other theatrical effects), please contact the ticket office at 515-277-6261.

Company

  • Greg Blumhagen

    Mr. Frank

    Greg Blumhagen
  • Brian Bopp

    Mr. Dussel

    Brian Bopp
  • Marquis Bundy

    Peter

    Marquis Bundy
  • Brad D. Church

    Mr. Van Daan

    Brad D. Church
  • Molly Fullerton

    Mrs. Van Daan

    Molly Fullerton
  • Rachel Geisler

    Margot

    Rachel Geisler
  • Melanie Hall

    Mrs. Frank

    Melanie Hall
  • Rebecca Haroldson

    Miep

    Rebecca Haroldson
  • Isabelle Piedras

    Anne

    Isabelle Piedras
  • Jack Schuler

    Nazi Officer

    Jack Schuler
  • Oliver Thrun

    Mr. Kraler/ Nazi Offier

    Oliver Thrun
  • Jodi Jinks

    Director

    Jodi Jinks
  • Angela Lampe

    Set Dressing/ Properties Designer

    Angela Lampe
  • Alex Snodgrass

    Scenic Artist

    Alex Snodgrass
  • Jessica Van Essen

    Costume Designer

    Jessica Van Essen
  • Amanda Pichler

    Lighting Designer

    Amanda Pichler
  • Mark Toebben

    Sound Designer/ Composer

    Mark Toebben
  • Jason Ehlenfeldt

    Stage Manager

    Jason Ehlenfeldt
  • Jada Lynne Smith

    Assistant Stage Manager

    Jada Lynne Smith
  • Nate Lawrence-Richards

    Technical Director

    Nate Lawrence-Richards
  • Katy Merriman

    Artistic Director

    Katy Merriman

Photos/Video

  • Isabelle Piedras is Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2020, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Isabelle Piedras is Anne and Greg Blumhagen is Otto in The Diary of Anne Frank, Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2020, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Isabelle Piedras is Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2020, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Isabelle Piedras is Anne and Greg Blumhagen is Otto in The Diary of Anne Frank, Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2020, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Isabelle Piedras is Anne and Marquis Bundy is Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank, Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2020, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Isabelle Piedras is Anne and Marquis Bundy is Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank, Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2020, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Isabelle Piedras is Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2020, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

  • Isabelle Piedras is Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2020, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

  • Isabelle Piedras is Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2020, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

  • Isabelle Piedras is Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2020, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brent Isenberger.

Press Release

Des Moines Community Playhouse Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Kill Date: February 9, 2020 Subject: Des Moines Community Playhouse Presents The Diary of Anne Frank Contact: Lee Ann Bakros, Playhouse Marketing & Public Relations Director, 515.974.5358, Lbakros@dmplayhouse.com The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the award-winning drama The Diary of Anne Frank, Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2020. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, or at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St. Wendy Kesselman’s adaptation of the original, Pulitzer Prize-winning script by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett draws from previously unpublished parts of Anne Frank’s real-life diary. For nearly two years, Anne, her father, mother, and sister, joined with the Van Daan family, hide in a secret annex space above her father’s former office in Amsterdam as the Nazis deport the Jews of Holland to their deaths. In her secret attic, Anne comes of age: she laughs, plays, fights with her mother, and falls in love for the first time. In spite of her oppressive circumstances and the horrors that surround her, Anne’s spirit transcends, as she voices her belief that “in spite of everything, people are truly good at heart.” Anne’s dynamism, her luminous spirit, and her story of resilience continue to resonate deeply, making her story as vital today as when her diary first was published. The Playhouse cast includes Greg Blumhagen, Brian Bopp, Marquis Bundy, Brad D. Church, Molly Fullerton, Rachel Geisler, Melanie Hall, Rebecca Haroldson, Isabelle Piedras, Jack Schuler, and Oliver Thrun. The Diary of Anne Frank is directed by Jodi Jinks. The Playhouse is one of the oldest and largest community theatres in the US. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage. For more information about the Playhouse and The Diary of Anne Frank, contact The Playhouse ticket office at 515-277-6261. The Diary of Anne Frank Performances: Jan. 24-Feb. 9, 2020 7:30 PM Wednesdays-Saturdays 2:00 PM Sundays School Matinees 9:30 AM & 12:00 PM, Feb. 3-4, 2020 The Diary of Anne Frank Tickets Ticket prices start at $29 To purchase tickets: dmplayhouse.com 515-277-6261 Des Moines Community Playhouse Ticket Office, 831 42nd St., Des Moines, IA 50312 ###

Show Credits

A Play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett

Based upon Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

Newly Adapted by Wendy Kesselman

The Diary of Anne Frank is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.