The Diary of Anne Frank (One-Act) at Greenhouse Theater Center

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2. The Diary of Anne Frank (One-Act)

The Young People’s Theatre of Chicago inaugurates its ‘Tweens and Teens series with the Chicago Premiere of Wendy Kesselman’s vital new one-act version of The Diary of Anne Frank. All performances of The Diary of Anne Frank take place at the historic Greenhouse Theater Center (2257 N. Lincoln Ave). Tickets for all performances are on sale now. For tickets and information, visit yptchi.org or call the box office at 773 404 7336.
 

ANNE’S DIARY
A teenage girl’s first-hand account of Jewish families hiding in a “secret annex” in wartime Amsterdam, Anne Frank’s heartfelt diary has humanized the Holocaust for generations of families. 
 

A NEW ADAPTATION
Wendy Kesselman first updated the Goodrich and Hackett postwar theatrical adaptation for the 1997 Tony-nominated revival. Drawing on previously unpublished diary entries, Kesselman detailed a more complicated family dynamic and centered the Jewishness of those in hiding.

Kesselman premiered an abbreviated version of her celebrated text last season at Nashville Children’s Theatre to effusive reviews. This new 75-minute one-act revision is as direct and compelling as her original full-length adaptation, but its abridged runtime is intended to introduce a wider range of audiences to Anne’s captivating coming-of-age story.

Artistic director Randy White noted that “YPT is thrilled to be chosen to present the Chicago Premiere and second-ever production of this consequential new one-act version. Going forward, the one-act adaptation will highlight TYA seasons across the country and we’re thrilled that YPT has secured this timely opportunity for Chicago theatre-going audiences.” White added that, “Wendy’s sensitive and stirring updating is an authentic telling of Anne's story and is more approachable and relevant for older children (10+) even as it proves richer and more resonant for adult audiences.”
 

LET ME BE MYSELF: THE LIFE STORY OF ANNE FRANK 
YPT’s production will be accompanied by an exhibit from the Anne Frank Center designed to help visitors understand Anne’s story in the context of the Holocaust. The exhibit also considers how young people face discrimination and exclusion today. Audience members can experience “Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank” free of charge before and/or after each performance.
 

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (One-Act)
FEB 16 - MAR 24, 2024

By Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett
Newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman
Based on The Diary of Anne Frank

The Chicago premiere of a vital new one-act adaptation.
Appropriate for Ages 10+ through Adults.

Preview Performances: Friday, Feb 16 @ 7:00pm & Saturday, Feb 17 @ 1:30pm
Performance Schedule: Saturdays @ 4:00pm & 7:00pm / Sundays @ 1:30pm

Directed by Randy White
Set Design by Jonathan Berg Einhorn
Costume Design by Cindy Moon
Lighting Design by Bridget Williams
Sound Design by Kurt Ottinger
Stage Managed by Payton Shearn

Tickets: $35 / $24 (under 16)