Diary of Anne Frank
at Crean Lutheran

Reviewed on November 8, 2019

Jasmine Kint
Capistrano Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies

Crean Lutheran's "The Diary of Anne Frank"
written by Jasmine Kint, a senior at Capistrano Valley High School

The terrifying reality of the Nazi occupation comes to light in the most personal, heart-felt way possible: the diary of a young girl forced into hiding. Crean Lutheran's "The Diary of Anne Frank" beautifully brings the pages to life.

We are brought to the Amsterdam annex in 1942, where the Frank and Van Daan families have just begun to live their lives in hiding. Narrated by Anne, the interactions and relationships are brought under the microscope of a thirteen year-old girl who refuses to lose hope, despite the dreary day and age.

Samantha Stokes brings light to the stage as Anne Frank. The never-ending zest for life in Stokes' bright smiles, wide eyes, and energetic movement project Anne's positive outlook on her negative situation. This also provides a stark contrast between her and her sister Margot, played by Stephanie Benson. Before any words are spoken, the sisters' expressions (a pout for Margot and an adventurous smile for Anne) immediately differentiate the two distinct personalities and ages for the girls.

Playing alongside them as Peter Van Daan, Conner Richardson provides a young love story for the books. The character growth displayed by Richardson and Stokes from shy to sweetly smitten brings a lightness to the show that helps to cope with the dense subject matter addressed by the show. Another endearing relationship is the one between Anne and her father, Otto Frank. Performed by Kyle Tunstall, Mr. Frank, with his kind facial expressions and willingness to hold his children and wife - whether it be a hug or tucking the girls in - create a man who has family as his number one concern.

The publicity team did a wonderful job not only advertising the show, but doing so respectfully in regards to the sensitive material within. Instagram story posts of costumes embellished with the yellow Star of David are cleverly captioned to emphasize the history behind the patch. The use of the yellow for the star on the poster is a subtle, yet effective way to include color without being too bold or brash.

"The Diary of Anne Frank" is no easy feat, but Crean Lutheran High School accomplishes it with skill and grace.

Genique Clark
Los Alamitos
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Crean Lutheran takes on the heartbreaking story of "The Diary of Anne Frank"
written by Genique Clark, a senior at Los Alamitos High School

Filled with trauma, heartbreak, and never ending pain, Crean Lutheran High School brings "The Diary of Anne Frank" to life in their black box theatre. After leaving behind their former life and stowing away in the Annex, both the Frank and the Van Daan family learn to adjust to their new lives, in order to protect themselves from the torture-inflicting Nazis. Throughout this play, we are taken on a roller coaster ride filled with agony and chaos while being serenaded by Anne's deep thoughts.

The high spirited and determined character of Anne Frank is portrayed by the dynamic and lively Samantha Stokes, who brings spunk and charisma to the stage. Portraying the youngest child in the Frank household, Stokes brings forth childlike mannerisms and is truly a light in the midst of the darkness. Whether she is jumping around the stage, or play wrestling with the other members in the household, Stokes energy level remains consistent throughout the entirety of the play, and was occasionally a source of comedic relief.

Between her on edge stance and her vivid facial expressions, Stephanie Benson, playing Margot Frank, takes on the older sister role flawlessly. Benson constantly remained attentive, whether it was her scene or not, and excelled in giving delivery of her lines. Through her purposeful movements, we are able to see the contrast between Stokes and Benson, and the struggles of being a young girl during this time.

Connor Richardson portrays Peter Van Daan, Anne's not so secret admirer. As the Van Daan's move into the Frank household, Richardson enters with his head hung low and an arched back, representing how timid and shy he was at that time. As the play progresses, Richardson's posture changes, and through his physicality, we are able to see him grow as a character, and turn into an excited young teen full of curiosity.

With the small inclusive cast, the actors are able to develop a deep connection with one another, and excel in portraying a believable family relationship. Though actors occasionally stumble over their lines, they continue on as if nothing had occurred.

Crean Lutheran's adaptation of "The Diary of Anne Frank" is one heartwrecnching show that easily reminds us how the choices we make now impact society and the next generation in the years to come.

Madison Gulmatico
Los Alamitos
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Crean Lutherans "The Diary of Anne Frank" is a heart breaking story of survival
written by Madison Gulmatico, a junior at Los Alamitos High School

After Anne's older sister Margot (Stephanie Benson) receives a summons for labor duty in Germany the Frank family along with the Van Daam family hide in a secret annex in the middle of Amsterdam. This production tells of all of their ups and downs and struggle to not be discovered.

Samantha Stokes shows off her talents in the role of Anne Frank transforming from a silly little girl into a mature and thoughtful woman. When Anne begins to develop feelings for Peter Van Daan (Connor Richardson), a young boy living with them, Stokes begins to walk with straighter posture and powerful strides. She begins to carry herself more maturely and no longer be as wild and carefree as when they first arrived in the annex. Stokes shows that Anne is truly becoming a woman now. In a particular scene where she in awakening from a nightmare, her screams of terror bring to life all of their fears and the realization this was someone's life and not fiction.

Stephanie Benson as Margot Frank portrays a coy young girl with no other options but to go into hiding and fight to survive. Benson maintains a meek voice throughout, to show her character's tender and caring nature. But as time passes she begins to get more and more comfortable, laughing, dancing, and even making friends with Peter, all things she wouldn't have thought about doing their first month in the annex.

The entire cast works together as a single unit, whether they are all dancing blissfully through their tiny dining area or trying to stay strong while getting escorted outside by the Nazi's. It's as if they can read each other's minds working like a machine to reach their final goal.

The Crean Lutheran Publicity team created a powerful and eye catching advertising design. They used pages of Anne's diary as a backdrop and a single pop of color for the star of David. They also used social media to reach out to the community.

Crean Lutheran High School's cast of "The Diary of Anne Frank" combines character growth, great cast chemistry, and emotional performances to bring you a dynamic and entertaining show.