Playmakers Civic Theatre presents 'The Diary of Anne Frank'

PORT CLINTON Playmakers Civic Theatre will perform some serious theater when it brings "The Diary of Anne Frank" to life.It's about a real family hiding from the Nazis during horrible circumstances. Yet, there is still love, laughter and lighter moments in their two-year claustrophobic exile.The original play opened on Broadway in 1955 and won both a Tony award and a Pulitzer Prize. Otto Frank had a lot of input into the original version. Playmakers will perform an adapted version which is more concise and more attuned to audiences of today."I have wanted to direct it since I first saw it," director Nadine Jensen said "It made a huge impression."A high school drama teacher of Jensen's influenced her interest in theater and "The Diary of Anne Frank." Speaking to the subtle differences in the adaptation, Jensen said, "The ending is now more vivid and dramatic."Anne Frank has become an iconic historical figure due to her abounding spirit and her refusal to be dragged down. She was always hopeful, believing there was always something better around the corner. The actress portraying Anne Frank, Kaylee Phillips, has become somewhat of an aficionado on her character beginning with a book report she did on Anne Frank back in grade school. Since then, Phillips has used any special assignments to research and learn about the life of Anne Frank."She brings a wealth of knowledge to her character," Jensen said.The cast and crew are working hard to make "The Diary of Anne Frank" a memorable show."It's sort of a 'Fiddler on the Roof' reunion," Jensen said.Many of those who were in Playmakers "Fiddler on the Roof" in November, 2014, are back for this production. The camaraderie of working together before works to the advantage of making this play a success as well.Tickets for "Diary of Anne Frank" are $12 for adults. They can be purchased by calling 419-734-5044 or e-mailing reservations@pcplaymakers.org. Performances are 8 p.m. April 1, 2, 8 and 9 and 2 p.m. for the Sunday matinees April 3 and 10. Playmakers Civic Theatre is at 604 W. 6th Street, Port Clinton.Pictured clockwise Otto Frank (Jeff Bugbee), Edith Frank (Heather Brooks), Anne Frank (Kaylee Phillips), and Margot Frank (Samantha Meyer) arrive at the "hiding place" to begin "The Diary of Anne Frank".David Blankenbeker and Sylvia Chappell portray the priviledged Herman and Petronella Van Daan in Playmakers production of "The Diary of Anne Frank"Miep (Angela Fishburn) welcomes Mr Dussel (John Aiello) to the hiding place in "The Diary of Anne Frank"\