ENTERTAINMENT

‘Anne Frank’ opens at Shakespeare Theatre of NJ

BILL NUTT
CORRESPONDENT

It spoils nothing to point out that “The Diary of Anne Frank” ends with the news that almost all the play’s characters die.

But it also spoils nothing to add that the play, ultimately, carries a message of hope for a better world.

This irony is not lost on the cast of the production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” that runs now through Nov. 21 at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.

“It’s a story about a horrible time, but it shows how people are able to cope,” says Emmanuelle Nadeau, the 16-year-old actress from Westfield who plays the title role.

The story of Anne Frank has become a symbol for survival in the face of evil. Anne was a 13-year-old Jewish girl living in Amsterdam when she and her family members and acquaintances were forced into hiding by the Nazi occupation of the city.

Living in a cramped loft, the Frank and Van Daan families (along with Dussel, a dentist who joins them in hiding) evaded detection for two years before they were found. Everyone except for Otto Frank, Anne’s father, died in the Holocaust.

Anne’s diary, discovered by her father after World War II, spread the word about her story. Her touchingly simple statement, “In spite of everything I still believe that people are good at heart,” underscores the poignancy of her death at age 15.

The diary was adapted for the stage by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett in 1955. In 1997, the play was revised by Wendy Kesselman to incorporate parts of the diary that Otto Frank had initially omitted from publication.

Nadeau, who has read sections of the unabridged diary, believes that Anne’s story is better served by Kesselman’s alterations to the script. “There are a lot of details that the original script left out that make Anne more human,” she says.

“Anne is smart and talented, but she’s also very real,” Nadeau continues. “She talks about her mother. She fights with her family. She’s very relatable.”

In some ways, Anne Frank shares some similarities with another precocious and independent young character: Scout from “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a role that Nadeau played at the Shakespeare Theatre three years ago.

“I think Anne and Scout are alike in that they are forced to become women under extraordinary circumstances,” says Nadeau. “Anne is very youthful and enthusiastic, but she also switches to a more pensive mood in parts of the diary.”

Joseph Discher, who directed “To Kill a Mockingbird” and is directing “The Diary of Anne Frank,” feels that Nadeau is the ideal actress to portray Anne.

“It’s hard to find an actress of that age who can handle this material,” says Discher. “Emmy can do it. She has the youthful energy, but she’s mature for her age.”

“People tend to view this as a dark play,” says Discher. “It happened at a horrific time, but it has a lot of beauty that should be witnessed. At its heart is a young girl with an amazing perspective and an amazing voice to share.”

At the same time, “The Diary of Anne Frank” represents definite physical challenges to a director, beginning with the set. “You have to convey the fact that these people lived together in a space that was not suited for eight people,” notes Discher.

Discher says he and scenic designer Brittany Vasta worked together on a set that feels cramped, while still giving the actors the space they need. “It’s a challenge for blocking, to make it feel organic and natural,” he says. “I think we’ve done that.”

Like Nadeau, Discher feels that “The Diary of Anne Frank” is a story about hope. “It’s important to keep that message,” he says. “We know how this story turns out. At times, it was terrifying for these characters. But they kept hope alive.”

For that reason, Discher believes that that Anne Frank’s story will touch anyone, regardless of background. “We all go through dark times in our lives when we’re tested,” he concludes. “Anne’s gift was her ability to inspire people. That’s her legacy.”

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK

WHEN: Now through Nov. 21

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

Wednesdays: Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 4 and 11 at 10 a.m.; Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays: Oct. 22 and 29 at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.; Nov. 5, 12, and 19 at 10 a.m.

Fridays: Oct. 16, 23, and 30 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 6, 13, and 20 at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Saturdays: Oct. 17 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 24 and 31 and Nov. 21 at 2 and 8 p.m.; Nov. 7 and 14 at 8 p.m.

Sundays: Oct. 18 and Nov. 8 and 15 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. only; Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. only

Tuesdays: Oct. 20 and 27 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 3, 10, and 17 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Ave., Madison.

TICKETS: $15 to $70. Student rush tickets available half-hour before performance.

INFORMATION: 973-408-5600 or www.ShakespeareNJ.org.