The Diary of Anne Frank
at Pacifica High School

Reviewed on March 27, 2015

Katherine Schloss
La Habra High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Pacifica sheds light on a well-known story

The cast of Pacifica High School's "The Diary of Anne Frank" embodies complex and troubled characters and honors them to the highest degree.

Newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman, "The Diary of Anne Frank" is based on the personal diary of Anne Frank in which she confides her deepest secrets and feelings. Forced to go into hiding during the Holocaust because they are Jewish, the Frank family and a few friends endure months on end in the shadow of death.

Meaningful silences and believable ad libs make for an entirely immersive experience. The cast carries out everyday activities such as reading and playing cards with constant vigor and purpose.

Marisa Shlichtman is the vivacious Anne Frank. She shows an understanding for the changes that Anne is going through, and is a voice for all that goes unsaid. It becomes clear that she is a caged bird longing for flight as her fidgeting becomes more and more constant. The maturity she gains over the course of the show is refreshing and a constant reminder that it is possible to find hope even in the direst of situations.

Pierre Ekladios is the enduring Otto Frank. He is the source of strength and reassurance for all that are in the Annex, and it can be seen that he genuinely cares for his family. Pierre memorably closes out the show with a monologue in which he finally lashes out and breaks down.

The melodramatic Mrs. VanDaan is played by Paige Bowen. With a short stature and smooth comedic timing, her snappy comments don't settle well with the others. The despair and utter anguish that she experiences after giving up her most prized possession make her character all that much more human.

Jarrett Guthrie is the quirky Peter VanDaan, who realizes he has feelings for Anne. With side glances at her from across the table and the occasional blush, he comes to symbolize raw and confusing adolescence.

Pacifica's marketing and publicity team entices theatergoers with large posters that relate to little details from the show, such as Anne's beloved chestnut tree.

Though at times the cast is hard to understand due to poor diction, their superb understanding of the text is reflected in their line delivery.

The cast of "The Diary of Anne Frank" asks audiences to live as Anne would: with meaning and love that knows no intolerance.

Justine Sombilon
La Habra High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Pacifica's The Diary of Anne Frank Shines Bright

Anne Frank has become a symbol for the light that never stops shining, and her story has been retold in a meaningful production from Pacifica High School, The Diary of Anne Frank.

The Diary of Anne Frank tells the heartbreaking journey of Anne Frank and the six other residents of the Secret Annex. Although each character has their own problems, they all have one thing in common: the fear that they might be found and taken by the Nazis. The play focuses on Anne as she grows from a curious child into an accepting young lady.

Marisa Shlichtman fearlessly tackles the role of Anne. Shlichtman brings a new vibrance to Anne's character with her expressive eyes and easily understood diction. As the play progresses, Shlichtman subtly tones down her restlessness and eager body language to communicate that Anne is growing up and becoming aware of the grim predicament she is in.

The strong rock that holds the entire production together would be none other than Otto Frank, who is smoothly and intelligently portrayed by Pierre Ekladios. With his deep, wise voice that seems to radiate maturity beyond his years and a fatherly, friendly aura, Ekladios plays a resilient leader not only to Anne but to all of the Secret Annex residents.

The extremely vivacious and flirtatious Mrs. Van Daan, hilariously played by Paige Bowen, is a huge personality not easily forgotten. Whether it be her discreet yet provocative winks and body movement, she dominates each scene she is featured in. Though, when the scene calls for it, Bowen instinctively knows when to sit down and react appropriately yet meaningfully.

Although there are minor problems with projection of lines, the cast as a whole breathes a refreshing gust of personality into these timeless characters with distinctive and unique stage movements and vocal dynamics.

Marketing and publicity, managed by Marisa Shlichtman and Jarrett Beard, proves extremely effective. With the Hollywood movie-like trailer playing and the multiple stars of David strewn across the school, the story from Anne's diary will definitely not go unnoticed.

With heartwarming characters and quiet yet powerful moments, the light that Pacifica High School's The Diary of Anne Frank has emitted is far from burning out.

Siena Brown
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Pacifica's "Anne Frank" is a touching tribute

Behind a worn, dusty bookcase hides the door to a dark, lonely room. In the shadows, a single beam of sunlight shimmers between the blinds of a window. Such a sight may seem mundane to the privileged everyman, but to Anne Frank, that room was an entire world and that glimmer of light carried the promise of a brighter future.

Pacifica's newest production, "The Diary of Anne Frank", follows the true story of Anne, a young Jewish girl living in 1940's Holland who meticulously documents her life hiding in a Secret Annex.

Marisa Shlictman stuns as Anne, a spirited girl who maintains her youthful optimism in spite of the horrors that surround her. Shlictman presents her character with a sense of restlessness, constantly tapping her fingers on the stage and eagerly swinging her legs back and forth. Her fidgety movements give the impression that she is a bird trapped in a cage, longing to break free and experience the outside world.

Pierre Ekladios stars as Otto Frank, Anne's beloved father and closest confidant. Ekladios stands with a straight, almost stiff posture and moves from place to place with a measured pace, suggesting his character's determination to maintain courage for his family's sake. Ekladios uses a deep, gentle voice and rests a firm hand on Anne's shoulder to produce a sense of fatherly compassion.

The endearingly bumbling Jarrett Guthrie charms as Peter, a boy in the Secret Annex whom Anne eventually falls in love with. At the start of the show, Guthrie's character is noticeably awkward, moving in sharp, jerky spurts, and barely smiling. As Peter gradually develops feelings for Anne, Guthrie begins to utilize smooth, deliberate arm gestures. In a powerful moment, where he defends Anne, his previously hushed voice swells to a passionate roar.

Paige Bowen gives Mrs. Van Daan, Peter's ostentatious and melodramatic mother, a chilling layer of development over the course of the show. Bowen initially presents her character as a form of comic relief, babbling with pouty lips and a wacky wide-eyed gaze. However, under a brash exterior lies the hollow shell of a former blueblood, shown as Bowen feverishly strokes her worn fur overcoat.

Pacifica's "Anne Frank" is a raw and heartbreaking show that doubles as a tender love letter to a girl whose own idealistic letters shine with the brilliance of hope.