The play takes us to July 1942, when Anne Frank and her family went into hiding in Amsterdam with another family. Soon they are joined by a Jewish dentist, also seeking safety from the Nazis. For over two years, the eight survive with the help of Otto Frank’s business associates, who bring supplies and news of the war. As the annex residents wait for liberation, Anne records the events of their daily lives in her diary. As the war drags on and circumstances become more desperate, their claustrophobic existence begins to strain relationships and test their fortitude. Through it all, Anne reflects on their fears, hopes, laughter, and grief. She emerges from history as an extraordinary young woman, sharing her lyrical gift for self-reflection with the audience. The play is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

Goodrich and Hackett were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for drama, and the original 1955 production won the Tony Award for best play. Kesselman’s 1997 adaptation was nominated for a Tony Award for best revival of a play. The Diary of Anne Frank opens September 28 and runs three weekends at GreenMan’s performance space in Elmhurst at 232 S. York St.

Arts DuPage Month Bonus:  Want to see behind the curtain? Following all of GreenMan's performances in October, DuPage Arts Month, meet the director of the production, take a brief 'behind the scenes' tour of the set, and ask questions about the show and about GreenMan. As an added bonus, if you attend the October 7 performance of "The Diary of Anne Frank," there will be a post show discussion with the cast and crew.