Magical Theatre Company, Northeast Ohio’s professional resident and touring theatre for young audiences and families, announces the opening of “The Diary of Anne Frank” for both public and school audiences. This is an undeniably moving piece, as perfect for our time as the diary was in Anne’s.
Directed by Dennis O’Connell and starring Kate Clay of Cuyahoga Heights as Anne and Michael Sonata of Canton as her father, Otto, “The Diary of Anne Frank” plays Jan. 27 through Feb. 7. Public performances are one weekend only, Jan. 27 through Jan. 29: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday and 2 p.m.
Each performance will be followed by a discussion with the actors onstage. Additionally, there are student matinees Jan. 27 through Feb 7. Reservations for school groups must be made in advance by calling (330) 848-3708. School groups attending a daytime matinee receive a Director’s Visit to their school by O’Connell, where he will discuss the design, direction and interpretation of this production.
Schools also receive a Teacher-Student Study Guide, a document that assists educators and students in their preparation of viewing this performance and using the Standards of the Ohio Department of Education.
“The Diary of Anne Frank” features company members Adam Hoffman (Cuyahoga Falls), Amanda Kidd (Kent), Deb Lemire (Cuyahoga Falls) and Mark Ross (Akron), as well as professional actors Marina Gordon (Akron) and Jerimie Newcomb (Akron). Young actors Jennnifer Hoppes of Hudson (Hudson HS) and Gio Palermo of Clinton (Hoban HS) join Clay (Chagrin Academy for the Performing Arts HS) onstage. “The Diary of Anne Frank” was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the Tony Award, the Critic’s Circle Award and virtually every other coveted prize of the theatre world.
Reservations for the public are available at www.magicaltheatre.org/public-performances or by calling Magical Theatre Company at (330) 848-3708. To make reservations for student matinees, call (330) 848-3708. Magical Theatre Company is in residence at the newly renovated Park Theatre at 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave. in Barberton, Ohio.
