The next production in West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park’s Main Stage Series is ‘The Diary of Anne Frank,’ which will run through Nov. 19.

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The Diary of Anne Frank, by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hacke (based upon “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl,” newly adapted by Wendy Kessleman), is the next show in Playhouse on Park‘s Main Stage series, running from Oct. 25-Nov. 19.

Frank van Putten as Otto Frank

Starring in this show are: Frank van Putten (Off Broadway: Classic Stage Company; TV: Johann von Kinkel in VINYL, THE KNICK; THE LEFTOVERS; THE BLACKLIST; THE GOOD WIFE. Film: THE WOLF OF WALL STREET) as Otto Frank, Lisa Bostnar (TV:The Blacklist, Law & Order, Pan Am. Stage roles include Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Emma in Annapurna, Kate in The Taming of the Shrew) as Mrs. Van Daan, and Allen Lewis Rickman [Film: A SERIOUS MAN, FADING GIGOLO. TV:BOARDWALK EMPIRE (recurring role), Stage: RELATIVELY SPEAKING (Broadway; with Marlo Thomas), SO HELP ME GOD! (with Kristen Johnston), ROOM SERVICE (Cleveland Playhouse)] as Mr. Van Daan.

Isabelle Barbier (Dixon Place New York: Mercy THOSE GIRLS. New York Fringe Festival:Isabelle graduated from Atlantic Acting School’s conservatory program) stars as Anne, Joni Weisfeld (Connecticut Theater credits include: Fool KING LEAR, Smeraldina THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, Actor/Co-Creator HUNGER) as Edith, Alex Rafala (Hudson Guild Theater: Chris SOLDIERS AND OTHER LIVING THINGS; Target Margin Theater: Chuck THE ICEMAN COMETH LAB (ACT 2); The Gallery Players: Catesby RICHARD III) Peter Van Daan, Jonathan D. Mesisca (New York: Perón EVITA, Jacob Marley A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Chief Bromden ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST) as Mr. Düssel, Elizabeth Simmons (Select credits include: And Then There Were None (Judson Theatre Co.) Brighton Beach Memoirs (Broward Stage Door Theatre)) as Miep Gies, Ruthy Froch (Credits Include: Barrington Stage Company: Nurse BLOOD DRIVE, 59E59: Zillah, WELCOME TO THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA) as Margot, and Michael Enright (Ocean City Theatre Co: Mr. Banks MARY POPPINS; New Bedford Festival Theatre: Combefere/Bamatabois LES MISERABLES; TV/Film: Boardwalk Empire, Wonderstruck) as Mr. Kraler.

Isabelle Barbier as Anne Frank. Submitted photo

Directed by Ezra Barnes, this gripping adaptation weaves together newly discovered writings from the diary of Anne Frank with survivor accounts to create a contemporary, impassioned story of the lives of people persecuted under Nazi rule. The Diary of Anne Frank captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence – their fear, their hope, their laughter, their grief. Each day of these two dark years, Anne’s voice shines through: “When I write I shake off all my cares. But I want to achieve more than that. I want to be useful and bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death!” 

Previews for The Diary of Anne Frank are Oct. 25 and 26. All preview seats are only $17.50! Opening night is Friday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m., with a wine and cheese reception beforehand. Each Sunday matinee features a talkback with the cast after the show.

Allen Lewis Rickman as Mr. Van Daan. Submitted photo

This show offers a specially priced Tuesday matinee on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. All seats for this performance are only $22.50 per person, reserved seating.

Individual tickets are now on sale, ranging from $25 to $40, all seats reserved. Seniors, Students, and Let’s Go Arts Member discounts are available. Additionally, Season Nine Mainstage Subscriptions are still available, with a 20 percent savings over individual tickets. For tickets or more information, call the box office at 860-523-5900 x10 or visit www.playhouseonpark.org. Playhouse on Park is located at 244 Park Rd., West Hartford, CT 06119.

Lisa Bostnar as Mrs. Van Daan. Submitted photo