The Midview High School Drama Department is proud to announce its fall production of The Diary of Anne Frank, a deeply moving dramatization of one of the world’s most widely read books, Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. Under the direction of Marci Saxon, with assistance from D. Justin Bilewicz, III, this year’s fall play invites audiences to reflect on resilience, hope, and humanity through the eyes of one of history’s most powerful young voices.
The Diary of Anne Frank tells the true story of Anne, a Jewish teenager who goes into hiding in an attic with seven others during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The play captures the realities of their two years in secrecy—their fear, laughter, grief, and unshakable courage in the face of persecution—and the enduring hope that continues to define Anne’s story.
“Doing a show like this changes you a lot because of the history of it,” said senior Julianne Myers, who plays Anne Frank. “Every show I’ve done before wasn’t based on a true story. I’ve also mostly played characters who were the villain, the anti-hero, or someone people don’t usually like in the story. Playing someone who isn’t that—I don’t want to call Anne the hero, because every character in this story is just real, and they’re all very complex—has really helped me grow as an actress. It shows you how to act in different ways, because these weren’t just characters written to be villains or the good guy; they’re all in the middle, because they’re just humans. It teaches you how to act in a very human way, not just as a character.”
Bringing The Diary of Anne Frank to the stage has been an experience that has extended far beyond the pages of a script. The cast and crew recently met virtually with Leo S. Ullmann, an 86-year-old Holocaust survivor who became friends with Miep Gies, the woman who helped hide Anne Frank and her family. This unique experience was made possible through a connection with the United States Holocaust Museum, where Director Marci Saxon’s cousin serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programming.
Students also visited the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, where they learned about Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives in the Cleveland area and heard from Peggy Dorfman, the daughter of two survivors who continues to carry their stories on. These experiences have helped shape the cast’s approach to the material, inspiring thoughtful discussions and deep character work.
“Getting to visit the Maltz Museum and meet all of these people has really helped me—and helped the production, too,” said Nathan Storrow, Jr., who plays Peter Van Daan. “It brings out the human aspect of the story. We always hear about the Holocaust and what happened, but hearing first-hand accounts, or from someone whose family experienced it, creates such a deep feeling and connection. At the Maltz Museum, we learned that ‘to listen to a witness is to become a witness,’ and I hope the audience carries this story with them.”
The production has become a full community effort, with alumni, parents, and staff volunteering their time and expertise to bring the story to life. Joe Filipiak (Class of 1994), a parent of a cast member, is guiding students in scenic design and helping create the show’s detailed backdrop. Jack Webb (Class of 2015) is training students in lighting design, while Jacob Winslow (Class of 2021), a Midview teacher and former Drama Club member, has returned to mentor students in sound design.
Students in Tijana Arsic’s Visual Design & Imaging Career-Technical Education Program also contributed to the production by taking and editing professional headshots of the entire cast and crew. Their work will be displayed in the theater lobby alongside a mini Anne Frank/Holocaust Remembrance Exhibit during performances.
Through these connections, students are learning that theater is not just about performing—it’s about honoring stories, building community, and carrying lessons from the past into the present.
“Directing The Diary of Anne Frank has reminded me of the depth and purpose of theater,” said Marci Saxon, Director. “It challenges us to feel, to question, and to grow. Watching these students connect to this story and to each other gives me so much hope. Through their characters, they are discovering empathy and courage, and that's been incredibly powerful. I hope that when our community sees it, they walk away not only moved by the story, but also proud of the young people telling it both on stage and behind the scenes. It's an experience that stays with you long after the curtain closes.”
Performances will take place in the Midview High School Kubuski Gymnasium on November 7–9, 2025. Shows will run Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Preferred seating (first two rows) tickets are $20, while general admission tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for senior citizens, students, and thespians.
A special Alumni Reception will also be held on Saturday, November 8, at 6:00 p.m. before the evening performance. Alumni and their families are invited to reconnect and celebrate the program’s legacy. RSVPs can be made by emailing msaxon@midviewk12.org or by filling out this form.
The production features a talented ensemble of Midview High School students, both on stage and behind the scenes:
Cast:
Anne Frank (played by Julianne Myers, senior)
Otto Frank (played by Gabriel Kocher, senior)
Edith Frank (played by Keira Snider, senior)
Margot Frank (played by Amelia Colosimo, junior)
Putti Van Daan (played by Heath Bier, sophomore)
Petonella Van Daan (played by Veronica Filipiak, junior)
Peter Van Daan (played by Nathan Storrow, Jr., senior)
Albert Dussel (played by Caleb Kropp, junior)
Miep Gies (played by Xavier Tyson, junior)
Mr. Kraler (played by Brayden Peters, senior)
Production Staff:
Magnolia Jackson, senior (Stage Manager)
Lexi Culbreth, junior (Assistant Stage Manager)
Amelia Colosimo, junior (Props)
William Knarr, senior (costumes)
Crew:
Peyton Bradford, freshman
Gabriella Droddy, freshman
Megan Frederick, junior
Connor Jahnsz, junior
Sullivan Knarr, freshman
Evelin Payne, freshman
Laterrion Smith, freshman
Alison Winslow, junior
Taylor Wilson, freshman
Thomas Workman, senior
Lilly Paponetti, a sophomore from Shaker Heights High School, will share her talents on the cello as part of this production.
This production of The Diary of Anne Frank is presented through a special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. For more information, please contact msaxon@midviewk12.org.