Live theatre returns to RRHS this week with “The Diary of Anne Frank”

Ken Johnston
editorial@RainyRiverRecord.com

The curtain will rise for the first time in two years at Rainy River High School this week as Owl Theatre presents the Diary of Anne Frank.

According to teacher and Director Paul Elliott, the war time story about the hiding of Jews during WWII was not chosen because of the Sept. 11th tragedy.

In fact he said it was chosen just before that happened. However when he called to a place in New York to get copies of the play he could not as they were closed due to the tragedy.

Elliott said that ten actors tried out for drama and with it being five girls and five boys he felt The Diary of Anne Frank would be perfect.

After running all the actors through the different parts, Elliott chose to cast Shauna McInerney in the lead role of Anne Frank.

A former Sturgeon Creek Alternative Program student, McInerney said that she

had been in many plays there. However this is her first Owl Theatre production. She says she can really relate to Anne Frank, especially after reading her diary. “I feel like I am sort of her.” McInerney said that she too likes to write in a diary and feels close to Frank, having read hers.

“The audience will be in for a real roller-coaster of a playride,” explained McInerney, “It has hilarious parts and then bang it hits you right in the heart.

Others cast in the play include, Shar Hanson as Mrs. Van Daan, Missy Hartnell as Mrs. Frank, Matt Ivall as Peter, Neil Ivall as Mr. Frank, Kyle Kuzyk as Mr. Dussel, Sam Ernst as Mr. Kraler, Danielle Shrumm as Margot Frank, Penny Vandenbrand as Miep and Matt Ashworth as Mr. Van Daan. Behind the scenes Anco van Rozen will be on sound and Sam Ernst will be stage manager.

The play runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and show time is 8 p.m. There are no advanced tickets on sale this year.

This is Elliott’s smallest cast ever, having directed plays at the school off and on since 1989. However he is happy with the performances his players have been giving so far and says the public will really enjoy the show.