Remy Zaken to Star in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK at Pittsburgh Public Theater

Pittsburgh Public Theater's season begins with the timeless drama The Diary of Anne Frank, by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. Directed by Pamela Berlin (The Glass Menagerie, Clybourne Park, Red), The Diary of Anne Frank runs September 24 - October 25, 2015 at the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit ppt.org. The Diary of Anne Frank is presented by PNC. The "Family Matters" ticket package, especially for families attending the performance, is underwritten by The Fine Foundation. The play is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, published in the United States in 1952, contained the authentic journal entries of a Jewish teenager who lived in hiding during the Holocaust. The public was instantly enthralled with Anne's writing. She was funny, and thoughtful, and most of all brave. Her vivid descriptions evoked what life was like during this monstrous time. The book was adapted for the stage and opened on Broadway in 1955, where it became an immediate hit. The Public's new production is a revival of this Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winner.

Remy Zaken, starring as Anne Frank, is best known for her performance in the original production of Spring Awakening on Broadway. Randy Kovitz and Chris Laitta play her mother and father, and Erika Cuenca appears as her sister, Margot. Four other people hid with the Franks in an Amsterdam attic. David Wohl, who appeared as Freud in The Public's production of Freud's Last Session, plays Mr. Van Daan. Public Theater favorite Helena Ruoti is his wife, and newcomer David Jackson plays their son, Peter. Public Theater veteran Daniel Krell is Mr. Dussel. Appearing as the two people who brought them food and news are Ken Bolden and Kelsey Carthew.

Unfolding throughout the play are the daily lives of this group in their closed quarters. There are moments of great tension, and also periods of almost normalcy. Anne has her school work and the pictures of movie stars she's cut out of magazines. She argues with her mother, but also creates a joyous Hanukkah for her extended family. Although food is in short supply, as time goes by she outgrows her clothes and notices changes in her body. She confides her thoughts to her best friend, her diary, and its survival has allowed the world to know the spirit and courage of this remarkable girl.

The designers for The Diary of Anne Frank are Suzanne Chesney (Costumes), John Lasiter (Lighting), and Zach Moore (Sound). Scenic Designer Michael Schweikardt, who is creating the iconic attic setting for the production, last designed My Fair Lady at Pittsburgh Public Theater. Fred Noel is the Production Stage Manager and Spencer Whale is the Assistant Stage Manager.

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