“The Diary of Anne Frank”

Jan. 18-Feb. 24
Indiana Repertory Theatre
If you saw this famed play in high school or caught the film on TV, you might be surprised at some changes on stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. 
Playwright Wendy Kesselman has eliminated from the 1955 script written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett much of what was considered by many to be soft-peddling of the subject matter. Now, according to reports on the New York production of this version (which starred a 16-year-old Natalie Portman), the play includes material from the complete editions of the diary published after the original play premiered. There’s a stronger sense of the impending danger beyond the attic walls. And the characters’ ethnicity isn’t downplayed or Anne’s optimism overplayed.
In the lead at the IRT will be Chicago actress Rebecca Buller, who recently appeared in The Goodman Theatre’s production of “The Seagull.” Given that she was part of, in that show, the finest ensemble cast I’ve seen in my life, I’m optimistic about what she’ll bring to “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Joining her are IRT regulars Robert Johansen and Constance Macy. Details here.