The Diary of Anne Frank
at Orange Lutheran

Reviewed on January 18, 2019

Geraldine Ang
University
Submitted for publication to OC Register

OLu's "Anne Frank" Writes A Diary of Love and Light
written by Geraldine Ang, a sophomore at University High School

Orange Lutheran's production of "The Diary of Anne Frank" retells the heartbreaking, true biography of Anne Frank, who was forced into hiding during the horrifying Holocaust in the first half of the 20th century. Through the terrifying situation, the lack of freedom, Anne and her companions never lose something truly important: their humanity.

In the midst of the cramped, dreary hideout, Anne Frank struggles to hold onto hope. Actress Katrina Reta speaks with a light, carefree tone and flits from place to place with a skip in her step. When she hears the hum of her beloved radio in the distance, she sprawls on the floor to listen, her legs kicking up and down in the cheerful way a naive child does. Reta's wide eyes and bouncing shoulders create a strong sense of contrast with the rest of the characters, making Anne a powerful protagonist that continuously stands out on stage.

Sharply contrasting Anne's bubbly disposition is Jan Dussel's (Jeffrey Marcopulos) weary displeasure about everything around him. Dussel slinks around the stage, glaring darkly at everyone who speaks to him, unafraid to voice his cold opinions. As he argues childishly with Anne, Marcopulos highlights the genuine, humanly imperfections of an adult trying to navigate through a frighteningly uncertain future.

Edith Frank, Anne's fretful mother played by Jayne Bickford, radiates maternal compassion and strength. In any moment of potential danger, Frank instantly rushes over to her children, wrapping blankets or warm arms around their shoulders. When she catches Putti Van Daan (Ryan Rucker) stealing food rations, her voice quivers with rageful sorrow as she shouts about how his own son has less to eat because of him. Through her straight, dignified posture and stern chiding, Bickford emphasizes Frank's determination to continue bringing up her daughters to be proper ladies even as their world crumbles beneath their feet.

Meanwhile, Kendra Olson, Sydney Prebe, and Avery Warren's thoughtful props are constantly noticeable in every scene. Anne Frank's scarlet, velvety diary stands out strikingly in comparison to the other, muted props decorating the set. The diary's distinct coloring clearly conveys how essential it is to the production's storytelling.

"The Diary of Anne Frank" at Orange Lutheran represents not only the genuine, tragic consequences of human prejudice but also how the darkest of times can bring out the best in people. Because fighting on, in spite of fear, is what it means to be human.

Geraldine Ang
University
Submitted for publication to OC Register

OLu's "Anne Frank" Writes A Diary of Love and Light
written by Geraldine Ang, a sophomore at University High School

Orange Lutheran's production of "The Diary of Anne Frank" retells the heartbreaking, true biography of Anne Frank, who was forced into hiding during the horrifying Holocaust in the first half of the 20th century. Through the terrifying situation, the lack of freedom, Anne and her companions never lose something truly important: their humanity.

In the midst of the cramped, dreary hideout, Anne Frank struggles to hold onto hope. Actress Katrina Reta speaks with a light, carefree tone and flits from place to place with a skip in her step. When she hears the hum of her beloved radio in the distance, she sprawls on the floor to listen, her legs kicking up and down in the cheerful way a naive child does. Reta's wide eyes and bouncing shoulders create a strong sense of contrast with the rest of the characters, making Anne a powerful protagonist that continuously stands out on stage.

Sharply contrasting Anne's bubbly disposition is Jan Dussel's (Jeffrey Marcopulos) weary displeasure about everything around him. Dussel slinks around the stage, glaring darkly at everyone who speaks to him, unafraid to voice his cold opinions. As he argues childishly with Anne, Marcopulos highlights the genuine, humanly imperfections of an adult trying to navigate through a frighteningly uncertain future.

Edith Frank, Anne's fretful mother played by Jayne Bickford, radiates maternal compassion and strength. In any moment of potential danger, Frank instantly rushes over to her children, wrapping blankets or warm arms around their shoulders. When she catches Putti Van Daan (Ryan Rucker) stealing food rations, her voice quivers with rageful sorrow as she shouts about how his own son has less to eat because of him. Through her straight, dignified posture and stern chiding, Bickford emphasizes Frank's determination to continue bringing up her daughters to be proper ladies even as their world crumbles beneath their feet.

Meanwhile, Kendra Olson, Sydney Prebe, and Avery Warren's thoughtful props are constantly noticeable in every scene. Anne Frank's scarlet, velvety diary stands out strikingly in comparison to the other, muted props decorating the set. The diary's distinct coloring clearly conveys how essential it is to the production's storytelling.

"The Diary of Anne Frank" at Orange Lutheran represents not only the genuine, tragic consequences of human prejudice but also how the darkest of times can bring out the best in people. Because fighting on, in spite of fear, is what it means to be human.

Danika McKee
Mater Dei
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Orange Lutheran's Diary of Anne Frank Helps Us To Remember
written by Danika McKee, a senior at Mater Dei High School

You must hide. You must take off your shoes. You must not talk between certain hours, only whisper. You must never leave this door. These are only of the rules they must follow to escape with their lives. The Diary of Anne Frank is a heart-wrenching and horrifically beautiful story of two Jewish families and a doctor during the height of the Holocaust, holding on one day at a time.

As the title character, Katrina Reta (Anne Frank) fills the little annex with sass and high energy. Whether singing and dancing for Hanukkah or playfully teasing the others, Reta exudes high spirits; she is light on her feet and ready to go. However, the sweet relationship between her and Seth Hughes (Peter Van Daan) brings about a new sensitivity and allows for more opening up and emotion. Under such unusual circumstances, both are able to convey the process of their relationship from frustration to friendship and to romance through their dialogue, subtle gazes of understanding, and an awkward kiss.

Fully embodying the maternal character, Jayne Bickford (Edith Frank) uses her strong, yet hesitant voice to express the tension of the situation and strained relationship with Anne. Bickford portrays her character as quiet and reserved until Mr. Van Daan attempts to steal bread, giving her the motivation to break out of her shell and stand up to somebody for once. Her commanding attitude and tone show the toll that the dire situation has taken on every person in the annex.

In times where they are startlingly reminded of the goings on outside the annex, the German Soldiers (Harrison Gomes, Connor George, Ethan Kaiser) goose step their way through the audience with blinding flashlights to convey the intensity of the scene and bring anxiety and stress to the situation.

Props by Kendra Olson, Sydney Prebe, and Avery Warren are greatly detailed and accomplish a very realistic look. Anne's bright red diary glimmers in the light as she writes away and holds it close as a real friend getting her through this tough time. The addition of matches and a menorah allow the characters to embrace their Jewish tradition and give hope and happiness to them.

Orange Lutheran thoroughly succeeds in doing their part to keep Anne Frank's story alive after her death, just as she would have wanted.

Danika McKee
Mater Dei
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Orange Lutheran's Diary of Anne Frank Helps Us To Remember
written by Danika McKee, a senior at Mater Dei High School

You must hide. You must take off your shoes. You must not talk between certain hours, only whisper. You must never leave this door. These are only of the rules they must follow to escape with their lives. The Diary of Anne Frank is a heart-wrenching and horrifically beautiful story of two Jewish families and a doctor during the height of the Holocaust, holding on one day at a time.

As the title character, Katrina Reta (Anne Frank) fills the little annex with sass and high energy. Whether singing and dancing for Hanukkah or playfully teasing the others, Reta exudes high spirits; she is light on her feet and ready to go. However, the sweet relationship between her and Seth Hughes (Peter Van Daan) brings about a new sensitivity and allows for more opening up and emotion. Under such unusual circumstances, both are able to convey the process of their relationship from frustration to friendship and to romance through their dialogue, subtle gazes of understanding, and an awkward kiss.

Fully embodying the maternal character, Jayne Bickford (Edith Frank) uses her strong, yet hesitant voice to express the tension of the situation and strained relationship with Anne. Bickford portrays her character as quiet and reserved until Mr. Van Daan attempts to steal bread, giving her the motivation to break out of her shell and stand up to somebody for once. Her commanding attitude and tone show the toll that the dire situation has taken on every person in the annex.

In times where they are startlingly reminded of the goings on outside the annex, the German Soldiers (Harrison Gomes, Connor George, Ethan Kaiser) goose step their way through the audience with blinding flashlights to convey the intensity of the scene and bring anxiety and stress to the situation.

Props by Kendra Olson, Sydney Prebe, and Avery Warren are greatly detailed and accomplish a very realistic look. Anne's bright red diary glimmers in the light as she writes away and holds it close as a real friend getting her through this tough time. The addition of matches and a menorah allow the characters to embrace their Jewish tradition and give hope and happiness to them.

Orange Lutheran thoroughly succeeds in doing their part to keep Anne Frank's story alive after her death, just as she would have wanted.

Tiffany Esparza
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Orange Lutheran Beautifully Illustrates The Diary of Anne Frank
written by Tiffany Esparza, a senior at Tesoro High School

Light barely creeping into the room, books scattered scarcely across the floor, hours of stillness and silence. This is Anne Frank's world.

During World War II Jewish people were forced to hide or else they be sent to concentration camps. Anne Frank tells the story of her life hidden away through the journal that she keeps. Orange Lutheran High School brings the sacred words of the journal beautifully to life.

Prancing about with her nose pointed high Anne Frank, played by Katrina Reta, inspects her new living quarters. Squealing with joy she receives a journal from her father, documenting her life in hiding. Paralleling her energetic behavior, Anne's words murmur down, her head slowly dropping as she falls asleep after a nightmare.

Seth Hughes warms hearts as Peter Van Daan. With shriveled shoulders he stands small, pointing his head down to the floor out of shyness. Hughes fumbles with his fingers behind his back nervously befriending Anne. Tenderly he then kisses Anne, his arms quickly but sweetly holding her.

Straight back with stern words, Edith Frank is portrayed by Jayne Bickford. Coldly waking up, rushing to Anne, caressing her head, Bickford shows motherly care. Yelling, she strikes Mr. Van Daan, Ryan Rucker, out of the way scolding him for stealing food. Bickford quickly grasps items, her fingers shaking, clenching her very few belongings as the German Soldiers arrive.

Consistent in tone and upright in stature, Christopher Lee plays Otto Frank, the reassuring father to Anne. Shoulders rolled back he pets Reta speaking in a low, gruff, fatherly voice. Lee consistently remains centered with a steady voice much like how he consistently is the pillar for the people he is hiding with.

Bringing in pieces of hope, props made by Kendra Olson, Sydney Prebe and Avery Warren intricately accent the story. The diary perfectly embodies the spirit of Anne Frank with its velvet red cover, one of the only bright objects in the show. Another beacon of brightness are the flowers the appear in the show. Their vibrant blue and purple colors resemble the slivers of light scattered throughout the show.

All in all, Orange Lutheran's talented ensemble successfully portrays the tragic story of Anne Frank.

Tiffany Esparza
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Facebook

Orange Lutheran Beautifully Illustrates The Diary of Anne Frank
written by Tiffany Esparza, a senior at Tesoro High School

Light barely creeping into the room, books scattered scarcely across the floor, hours of stillness and silence. This is Anne Frank's world.

During World War II Jewish people were forced to hide or else they be sent to concentration camps. Anne Frank tells the story of her life hidden away through the journal that she keeps. Orange Lutheran High School brings the sacred words of the journal beautifully to life.

Prancing about with her nose pointed high Anne Frank, played by Katrina Reta, inspects her new living quarters. Squealing with joy she receives a journal from her father, documenting her life in hiding. Paralleling her energetic behavior, Anne's words murmur down, her head slowly dropping as she falls asleep after a nightmare.

Seth Hughes warms hearts as Peter Van Daan. With shriveled shoulders he stands small, pointing his head down to the floor out of shyness. Hughes fumbles with his fingers behind his back nervously befriending Anne. Tenderly he then kisses Anne, his arms quickly but sweetly holding her.

Straight back with stern words, Edith Frank is portrayed by Jayne Bickford. Coldly waking up, rushing to Anne, caressing her head, Bickford shows motherly care. Yelling, she strikes Mr. Van Daan, Ryan Rucker, out of the way scolding him for stealing food. Bickford quickly grasps items, her fingers shaking, clenching her very few belongings as the German Soldiers arrive.

Consistent in tone and upright in stature, Christopher Lee plays Otto Frank, the reassuring father to Anne. Shoulders rolled back he pets Reta speaking in a low, gruff, fatherly voice. Lee consistently remains centered with a steady voice much like how he consistently is the pillar for the people he is hiding with.

Bringing in pieces of hope, props made by Kendra Olson, Sydney Prebe and Avery Warren intricately accent the story. The diary perfectly embodies the spirit of Anne Frank with its velvet red cover, one of the only bright objects in the show. Another beacon of brightness are the flowers the appear in the show. Their vibrant blue and purple colors resemble the slivers of light scattered throughout the show.

All in all, Orange Lutheran's talented ensemble successfully portrays the tragic story of Anne Frank.