MACON – The stage adaptation of “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl,” the powerful,
true story based on the world-renowned book of the same title, will be performed at The
Grand Opera House on Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $24 for general public and $20 for
students and can be purchased through Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5470 or online at
www.TheGrandMacon.com. There is also an educational performance on Wednesday, Nov. 17,
at 10 a.m.
“The Diary of Anne Frank,” written over a two-year period, tells about Anne’s life while she and
her family are in hiding in Holland during World War II. They are staying in a secret attic of the
office building where Mr. Frank used to work in order to escape from the Nazis. Ann keeps a
daily diary of her thoughts, hopes, aspirations and observations on family, love and life during
this time. The stage adaptation, performed by the Barter Theatre Resident Acting Company and
directed by Richard Rose, has riveted audiences with its powerful message, delivered by Anne,
as told in her own words. The story has become a source of inspiration for many all over the
world.
“In this diary that was left behind, we are given a gift,” Rose says. “Witness Anne’s courage and
ability to find hope and joy in any situation and see the ability of the human soul to rise above
its oppressors. We must never forget the courage it took for a little girl to write, ‘in spite of
everything, I still believe that people are good at heart.’”
Actress Kelly Klein plays the title role in play. The accomplished young actress’s television
credits include “Gilmore Girls” and “The Jake Effect,” and she has appeared in a variety of
leading and supporting roles in independent films. Klein most recently played Maura in Ang
Lee’s 2009 film “Taking Woodstock.” A stellar cast that includes several of Barter Theatre’s
Resident Acting Company Members will join her. Danny Vaccaro and Tricia Matthews play
Anne’s parents, Otto and Edith, while Julie Schroll plays the Frank’s older daughter, Margot.
About the Barter Theatre
The Barter Theatre opened its doors in Abingdon, Va., during the Great Depression,
proclaiming, “with vegetables you cannot sell, you can buy a good laugh,” beginning a grand
experiment that has not only survived, but thrived. In 1946, the theatre was designated the State
Theatre of Virginia. Two years later, Barter’s founder Robert Porterfield received a Tony Award
for his contribution to the development of America’s regional theatre movement. Currently
celebrating its 77th anniversary, Barter is one of the country’s last theatres with a year-round
professional resident repertory company and boasts an annual attendance of over 163,000
theatergoers — an astounding figure considering the theatre’s rural Appalachian location. Today
patrons pay with cash, but on two selected days during the summer, non-perishable food items
are accepted for admission with all proceeds donated to the local food bank. Find out more about
Barter Theatre at www.bartertheatre.com.
The Grand Opera House
A performing arts center of Mercer University, The Grand Opera House is a historic 1,000-
seat theatre located at 651 Mulberry St. in downtown Macon. The Grand brings the very
best in live, professional performing arts and entertainment to Central Georgia. In addition
to its popular Broadway Series of nationally-touring productions and its GrandKids Arts
Education Series for elementary, middle and high school students, The Grand hosts a variety
of special events throughout the year. It is also home to the Macon Symphony Orchestra,
the Central Georgia Opera Guild and The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia. For a complete
schedule of upcoming performances, contact Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5470 or visit
www.TheGrandMacon.com.
