Diary of Anne Frank
Shame on me for taking 2 weeks to blog about this incredible play! Mr. Deluca changes the Fall production each year to be either a drama or a comedy. This year’s drama was particularly poignant. The cast did an outstanding job in transforming us back to Nazi Germany and the genocide of World War II. Unlike many television shows this play doesn’t have a happy ending. Tommy Mullane’s soliloquy at the end was riveting. Who knew he had it in him! Katie Barnwell portrayal of the protagonist was excellent. Michelle Serna actually had me laughing playing the self-centered Mrs. Van Daan. While Andres Zaldivar was the perfect match playing Mr. Van Dann. Rebecca Bastos and Gabby Ward shined in the mother and daughter relationship often at odds with Anne. Eric Timlin stole our attention with his role of Peter Van Daan. The caretaker roles of Mr. Kraler and Miep Gies were executed flawlessly by Alex Eisen and Alexandra DiStasi. Finally newcomer Quinn Ginsberg did a great job playing the wonderfully cantankerous Mr. Dussel. Kudos to Mr. DeLuca and Ms. Sloane for director yet another wonderful production. PS- I am ready for a comedy next year!
Thank you, Dr. Nagler, as always for your generous comments and your warm support. Ms. Sloane and I were very proud indeed of these wonderful young performers. They dug deep to create moving and honest characterizations. We are truly going to miss our seniors!
I would also like to add that our crew was particularly excellent this year. Not only did they work hard to help Mr. Tunkel create the beautiful set, but they did it with joy.
Finally, I would like to thank the community members that came to see our show, especially those people who do not have children involved in the production. Your support means the world to these actors and to me.
I have said it before, but it is worth repeating: Mineola is the BEST community on Long Island!
See you at next year’s COMEDY!