The Diary of Anne Frank
at Brethren Christian
Reviewed on November 14, 2015
| Name | School | Publication/Broadcasts |
Amanda Rooker | San Juan Hills | OC Register |
Amanda Rooker | San Juan Hills | OC Register |
Taylor Plett | SOCSA Dana Hills | OC Register |
Taylor Plett | SOCSA Dana Hills | OC Register |
Claire Pritchard | Fountain Valley | OC Cappies Facebook |
Claire Pritchard | Fountain Valley | OC Cappies Facebook |
Amanda Rooker
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register
Brethren Christian tells a story of suffering, sacrifice, and significance
by Amanda Rooker, a junior at San Juan Hills High School
for the Orange County Register
Subtle white lights rise on the solemn faces of the Frank family lending an almost tangible feeling of tension and tragedy. As they shuffle around the crowded space of beds and tables and makeshift rooms, they enter into the beginning of a two-year ‘adventure' tucked away in an annex—they enter into hiding from the world's hatred.
Both tear-jerking and thought-provoking, Brethren Christian High School's production of "The Diary of Anne Frank" follows two Jewish families held captive by the Holocaust—emphasizing the importance of optimism and hope, even in the darkest of times.
Megan Bustamante, portraying the naïve and adventurous Anne Frank, stands as the one voice of positivity amidst the hardship that ensues. Light on her feet, Bustamante radiates innocence with her youthful desire for fun. At one point, she sprawls across the stage journaling about her suppressed emotions, among them teenage romance and loathing towards her mother, as well as fright and terror that she desperately tries to quell.
With a vocal quality exuding elegance and perfectly timed sarcasm, Hannah Cordy provides an exceptionally engaging performance as Mrs. Van Daan, the dignified mother of the family also living in the annex. Capturing the essence of poise, Cordy's gait is punctuated with exquisite posture and effortless grace. Her terse, pithy humor brings light to the heavy theme, as does her constant comedic banter with her pretentious husband Mr. Van Daan (Dylan Brekke).
Brekke's humorous immature anger coupled with his fluctuating volume and aggressive fist-slamming expose his volatile nature. He hurls insults with haughty dominance, utterly different from the compassionate Otto Frank, played by Freddy William.
As Brekke's foil, William's sweeping movements and warm words convey an altruistic personality that grounds the household. William ends the production with a touching monologue after his family has been ripped away from him. His thoughtful words and tender pauses emanate both tragedy and sincerity.
Lighting designed by Erik Alkire is simple yet effective. The cast never leaves the stage, however the lighting draws the audience into different conversations, highlighting characters as they speak. Flashes of red as Nazis pass by outside create a sense of trepidation both in the audience and on stage.
Brethren Christian's "The Diary of Anne Frank" transports the audience to a time of true darkness in human history as the cast cohesively embodies suffering, sacrifice, and significance.
Amanda Rooker
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register
Brethren Christian tells a story of suffering, sacrifice, and significance
by Amanda Rooker, a junior at San Juan Hills High School
for the Orange County Register
Subtle white lights rise on the solemn faces of the Frank family lending an almost tangible feeling of tension and tragedy. As they shuffle around the crowded space of beds and tables and makeshift rooms, they enter into the beginning of a two-year ‘adventure' tucked away in an annex—they enter into hiding from the world's hatred.
Both tear-jerking and thought-provoking, Brethren Christian High School's production of "The Diary of Anne Frank" follows two Jewish families held captive by the Holocaust—emphasizing the importance of optimism and hope, even in the darkest of times.
Megan Bustamante, portraying the naïve and adventurous Anne Frank, stands as the one voice of positivity amidst the hardship that ensues. Light on her feet, Bustamante radiates innocence with her youthful desire for fun. At one point, she sprawls across the stage journaling about her suppressed emotions, among them teenage romance and loathing towards her mother, as well as fright and terror that she desperately tries to quell.
With a vocal quality exuding elegance and perfectly timed sarcasm, Hannah Cordy provides an exceptionally engaging performance as Mrs. Van Daan, the dignified mother of the family also living in the annex. Capturing the essence of poise, Cordy's gait is punctuated with exquisite posture and effortless grace. Her terse, pithy humor brings light to the heavy theme, as does her constant comedic banter with her pretentious husband Mr. Van Daan (Dylan Brekke).
Brekke's humorous immature anger coupled with his fluctuating volume and aggressive fist-slamming expose his volatile nature. He hurls insults with haughty dominance, utterly different from the compassionate Otto Frank, played by Freddy William.
As Brekke's foil, William's sweeping movements and warm words convey an altruistic personality that grounds the household. William ends the production with a touching monologue after his family has been ripped away from him. His thoughtful words and tender pauses emanate both tragedy and sincerity.
Lighting designed by Erik Alkire is simple yet effective. The cast never leaves the stage, however the lighting draws the audience into different conversations, highlighting characters as they speak. Flashes of red as Nazis pass by outside create a sense of trepidation both in the audience and on stage.
Brethren Christian's "The Diary of Anne Frank" transports the audience to a time of true darkness in human history as the cast cohesively embodies suffering, sacrifice, and significance.
Taylor Plett
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register
Brethren Christian cast finds hope amid tragedy
by Taylor Plett, a junior at SOCSA Dana Hills High School
for the Orange County Register
In a time defined by utter destruction, chaos and fear, solace can take many forms. For eight victims of the WWII Jewish genocide, solace looked like a little hidden annex out of reach of Nazi claws.
Brethren Christian's poignant rendition of "The Diary of Anne Frank" brings new life to the remarkable true story, proving that the human spirit's denial to yield to forces of persecution is a struggle of eternal relevance.
Having taken to hiding as Nazi terror consumes Amsterdam, the Frank and Van Dann families struggle to carry on life in a cramped secret annex. Young Anne Frank's diary is the tool by which their stories are chronicled, to be shared and remembered for generations to come.
Anne Frank (Megan Bustamante) battles the trials of life in hiding with youthful enthusiasm, scurrying about the annex in search of mischief and fun. As the war rages on, however, Bustamante's giddy skip is traded for a stiller wisdom, evident as she passionately dictates the sentiments written in her diary.
Anne's mother, Edith (Ashley Thinnsen), counters her daughter's liveliness as the rigid family disciplinarian. Whether sternly scolding Anne's childishness or holding her after a nightmare, Thinnsen portrays the conflict of wanting to both tame and connect with her wild-spirited daughter.
Otto Frank (Freddy William) leads his family in courage and wisdom, acting as the glue that binds them together while conflicts outside of and within the annex threaten to rip them apart. Upon returning to the annex as its sole survivor, William eulogizes his family's memory in a tear-jerking monologue, his strained voice and misty eyes eliciting sympathy.
Mr. and Mrs. Van Dann (Dylan Brekke and Hannah Cordy) lighten the somber mood as they volley sarcastic quips or bicker over dinner, Cordy shooting bemused looks at her husband as his temper sends him in a furious tailspin. Cordy maintains an elegant accent telling of her upper-class past, her poise unbending in the face of newfound poverty.
Lighting (Erik Alkire) emphasizes the timeless power of Anne's struggle, as resounding words from her diary are projected onto the darkened walls of the annex at the show's tragic end.
Brethren Christian's "The Diary of Anne Frank" delivers a tale of undying spirit in the face of oppression, inspiring us, as written in Anne's diary, to "think of all the beauty still left around [us] and be happy."
Taylor Plett
SOCSA Dana Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register
Brethren Christian cast finds hope amid tragedy
by Taylor Plett, a junior at SOCSA Dana Hills High School
for the Orange County Register
In a time defined by utter destruction, chaos and fear, solace can take many forms. For eight victims of the WWII Jewish genocide, solace looked like a little hidden annex out of reach of Nazi claws.
Brethren Christian's poignant rendition of "The Diary of Anne Frank" brings new life to the remarkable true story, proving that the human spirit's denial to yield to forces of persecution is a struggle of eternal relevance.
Having taken to hiding as Nazi terror consumes Amsterdam, the Frank and Van Dann families struggle to carry on life in a cramped secret annex. Young Anne Frank's diary is the tool by which their stories are chronicled, to be shared and remembered for generations to come.
Anne Frank (Megan Bustamante) battles the trials of life in hiding with youthful enthusiasm, scurrying about the annex in search of mischief and fun. As the war rages on, however, Bustamante's giddy skip is traded for a stiller wisdom, evident as she passionately dictates the sentiments written in her diary.
Anne's mother, Edith (Ashley Thinnsen), counters her daughter's liveliness as the rigid family disciplinarian. Whether sternly scolding Anne's childishness or holding her after a nightmare, Thinnsen portrays the conflict of wanting to both tame and connect with her wild-spirited daughter.
Otto Frank (Freddy William) leads his family in courage and wisdom, acting as the glue that binds them together while conflicts outside of and within the annex threaten to rip them apart. Upon returning to the annex as its sole survivor, William eulogizes his family's memory in a tear-jerking monologue, his strained voice and misty eyes eliciting sympathy.
Mr. and Mrs. Van Dann (Dylan Brekke and Hannah Cordy) lighten the somber mood as they volley sarcastic quips or bicker over dinner, Cordy shooting bemused looks at her husband as his temper sends him in a furious tailspin. Cordy maintains an elegant accent telling of her upper-class past, her poise unbending in the face of newfound poverty.
Lighting (Erik Alkire) emphasizes the timeless power of Anne's struggle, as resounding words from her diary are projected onto the darkened walls of the annex at the show's tragic end.
Brethren Christian's "The Diary of Anne Frank" delivers a tale of undying spirit in the face of oppression, inspiring us, as written in Anne's diary, to "think of all the beauty still left around [us] and be happy."
Claire Pritchard
Fountain Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook
Brethren Christian braves ‘Anne Frank'
by Claire Pritchard, a senior at Fountain Valley High School
for the OCC Facebook Page
The devastating experiences and effects of the Holocaust on Jews in hiding are brought into the light in Brethren Christian Junior/Senior High School's production of "The Diary of Anne Frank."
The play tells the story of the Franks and Van Danns in hiding in 1940s Amsterdam. Anne, the youngest Frank, must find herself while hiding from the Nazis.
Megan Bustamante as Anne brings energy and optimism onto the stage the second she arrives, bouncing on her tiptoes and running around the tiny annex where the families will spend the next year and a half of their lives.
Anne's bold personality clashes with her mother (Ashley Thinnsen) adding tension to the already-high stakes situation. Mrs. Frank must be nurturing and motherly in her actions while keeping Anne in line and using a stern voice.
Mr. Frank (Freddy William) provides a foil to Mrs. Frank in his understanding manner and calming voice. The close relationship between Anne and her father is apparent throughout the production with two consistently consoling and comforting each other through each of the struggles the families must face.
The Van Dann family, also occupying the annex, each bring their own individuality to the show. Peter (Ryley Christian) embodies the awkward teenage years in his uncertain and skittish nature, but later transforms into a mature young adult who is more sure of his place in the world.
Peter and Anne's budding relationship adds a light-hearted aspect to the heavy story. Peter starts out completely annoyed by Anne, snatching things away from her and yelling at her to stay away from him. As the play goes on, the two grow closer and develop an understanding of each other, reaching the perfect balance of companionship and awkwardness.
Peter's mother, Mrs. Van Dann (Hannah Cordy) moves across the stage elegantly and speaks with a poised and collective voice, even in times of great stress. Her lack of emotionalism contrasts with her husband (Dylan Brekke) who consistently bangs his hand on the table when angry and shouts at Peter and Anne.
Each character, while physically very close with the others, is able to maintain their individuality throughout the show. They each develop as people with the help of the others, but keep their own unique aspects and don't allow themselves to be caught up in the ensemble of characters, making Brethren's production cohesive and moving.
Claire Pritchard
Fountain Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook
Brethren Christian braves ‘Anne Frank'
by Claire Pritchard, a senior at Fountain Valley High School
for the OCC Facebook Page
The devastating experiences and effects of the Holocaust on Jews in hiding are brought into the light in Brethren Christian Junior/Senior High School's production of "The Diary of Anne Frank."
The play tells the story of the Franks and Van Danns in hiding in 1940s Amsterdam. Anne, the youngest Frank, must find herself while hiding from the Nazis.
Megan Bustamante as Anne brings energy and optimism onto the stage the second she arrives, bouncing on her tiptoes and running around the tiny annex where the families will spend the next year and a half of their lives.
Anne's bold personality clashes with her mother (Ashley Thinnsen) adding tension to the already-high stakes situation. Mrs. Frank must be nurturing and motherly in her actions while keeping Anne in line and using a stern voice.
Mr. Frank (Freddy William) provides a foil to Mrs. Frank in his understanding manner and calming voice. The close relationship between Anne and her father is apparent throughout the production with two consistently consoling and comforting each other through each of the struggles the families must face.
The Van Dann family, also occupying the annex, each bring their own individuality to the show. Peter (Ryley Christian) embodies the awkward teenage years in his uncertain and skittish nature, but later transforms into a mature young adult who is more sure of his place in the world.
Peter and Anne's budding relationship adds a light-hearted aspect to the heavy story. Peter starts out completely annoyed by Anne, snatching things away from her and yelling at her to stay away from him. As the play goes on, the two grow closer and develop an understanding of each other, reaching the perfect balance of companionship and awkwardness.
Peter's mother, Mrs. Van Dann (Hannah Cordy) moves across the stage elegantly and speaks with a poised and collective voice, even in times of great stress. Her lack of emotionalism contrasts with her husband (Dylan Brekke) who consistently bangs his hand on the table when angry and shouts at Peter and Anne.
Each character, while physically very close with the others, is able to maintain their individuality throughout the show. They each develop as people with the help of the others, but keep their own unique aspects and don't allow themselves to be caught up in the ensemble of characters, making Brethren's production cohesive and moving.