Director brings personal connection to 'Diary of Anne Frank'

Starting this weekend, the Monticello Opera House presents "The Diary of Anne Frank" — the powerful true story about the young Jewish girl whose family hid in Amsterdam attempting to escape the tragic events happening during World War II.

Jeff Mandel, the director of the production, recently visited the Anne Frank House and was moved by the experience.

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He is honored to be directing the play, saying “I have always loved the play and the story." As Mandel himself is Jewish and lost family in World War II, the story resonates on a personal level. “All over the world, and even here in Florida, anti-Semitism is on the rise,” he said. “We are taking this opportunity to make this more than a play - we are making it a teaching experience.”

To do so they will be hosting a benefit for the local chapter of the Holocaust Education Resource Council with the afternoon performance on Sunday, April 23. HERC will host a panel discussion afterward about the Holocaust as well. They are also inviting local schools for a special morning performance, and with the enthusiastic response from local area schools, there are only a few seats left.

With all the talent that auditioned, the show is double cast, making each experience at the theater a special event and worth going to see twice! Mandel says he feels lucky to have such a talented cast and crew, made up of both veteran actors and new faces to the local theatre scene as well.

Rachel Johnson, who plays Edith Frank, said they were drawn to the play “as they are going through a journey of self-discovery themselves.” When stage manager Alison Quinn announced auditions, Johnson “knew they had to come.” Edith’s sweet and strong repertoire with Otto Frank, her husband, as well as her children, shines through in Johnson’s performance.

Anne starts the play at age 13 and is every bit the rambunctious young lady learning to face the reality that she is facing. Both leading actors, Aiko Austin and Maz Neamand, balance the lightheartedness of youth and sobering reality with fantastic grace. Whichever actor you are viewing is captivating in the role.

The actors interject moments of joy and festivity as the families tease one another and grow throughout the time they are in hiding. Lyndsey Woods charms as Petronella Van Daan when remarking on the romance brewing between the young leads, and breaks our hearts when she must let go of her past.

Truly, the actors have put their souls into the show, and it comes though. Mandel says, “it has been tough on the actors emotionally to bring the characters to life.”

He hopes the powerful and heartfelt message will bring patrons in. “This is why we do theatre. It teaches the story in a living way and will leave the audience feeling a wide range of reactions.” This comes through during Duncan Hoehn’s portrayal of Otto Frank – his monologue at the end of the show where the loss is showcased and is sure to extract emotion.

The Diary of Anne Frank is running for three weekends at the Monticello Opera House.

If you go

What: "The Diary of Anne Frank"

When: Shows at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; until May 7. Special HERC benefit at 2 p.m. April 23 show

Tickets: $23; visit monticellooperahouse.org

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Directing 'Diary of Anne Frank' a personal mission for Jeff Mandel