Writers Theatre Extends THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK Through 8/2

Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn Lipuma announce the extension of the critically acclaimed and box office hit The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, adapted by Wendy Kesselman and directed Kimberly Senior. The show, which was originally on sale through June 28, has extended in response to overwhelming demand, adding additional weeks of performances at the Theatre's Books on Vernon location, 664 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe.

The cast of The Diary of Anne Frank includes Lance Baker (Mr. van Daan), Sean Fortunato (Otto Frank), Coburn Goss (Mr. Kraler), Kevin Gudahl (Mr. Dussel), Sam Hubbard (Nazi), Leah Karpel (Miep Gies), Heidi Kettenring (Mrs. van Daan), Lila Morse (Margot Frank), Eric Slater (Nazi), James Sparling (Nazi), Sophie Thatcher (Anne Frank), Kristina Valada-Viars (Edith Frank) and Antonio Zhiurinskas (Peter van Daan).

For performances after May 31, Otto Frank will be played by Coburn Goss, Mr. Kraler will be played by Eric Slater, and Jared Fernley will join the cast as a Nazi.

Thirteen actors share the intimate Writers Theatre bookstore venue in this powerful and authentic portrait of a young girl clinging to hope in a time of tragedy.

As vital today as when it was first written, Anne Frank's extraordinary diary has become an essential part of how we remember one of the darkest periods of human history. Filled with its young author's luminous spirit - her "boundless desire for all that is beautiful and good" - the diary also illuminates the coming of age of a complex, passionate young girl as she falls in love, grows into a woman and struggles to survive with her family amid the chaos of war and religious persecution.

Directed by Kimberly Senior, the Writers Theatre production will provide a visceral insight into the realities of life in the "secret annex," in which the tight quarters and forced intimacy serve as an ever-present reminder of the danger just outside--allowing audiences to come to know Anne and her family in a new and strikingly honest way.