This year’s fall play brought to life the unforgettable story of courage and resilience, darkness and light, and the profound strength found in even the most difficult circumstances. Through The Diary of Anne Frank, our students captured Anne’s journey and the hope that endured despite overwhelming challenges, reminding us all of the power of humanity and faith. Our student actors honored this story’s history with a beauty and authenticity that left a lasting impression on everyone present. The Diary of Anne Frank is a deeply moving account of the life of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who, along with her family, went into hiding in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War II. For over two years, Anne documented her thoughts, dreams, fears, and reflections on humanity in a diary while living in The Secret Annex with her family and others. Her diary, discovered after her death, has since become one of the most influential and enduring works of Holocaust literature. Through Anne’s words, readers around the world witness the spirit of a young girl who, despite the darkness surrounding her, never lost her belief in the goodness of people. Our students delivered an unforgettable performance from start to finish. From the thoughtful set design, costumes, and lighting to the sound effects and the powerful messages from Anne’s diary shown on stage at the play’s conclusion, the crew brought this story to life with remarkable depth. On stage, the close-knit group of actors demonstrated impressive talent, with Fiona Keller ‘29 (Anne Frank) and Noah Montagliano ‘25 (Mr. Otto Frank) delivering heartfelt monologues that captivated the audience. Director Peter Huber ’17 shares, “I wanted to provide an educational experience for our students – something real and something historical.” He sought to give theater students a well-rounded portfolio by exploring a different genre from previous productions, one that would challenge them artistically while also expanding their understanding of the world. He noted, “Our students are introduced to Anne’s story in eighth grade, often marking their first encounter with Holocaust education. I believe it’s essential that we serve justice to the memory of those who suffered during the Holocaust – through this performance, we remember them.” The Diary of Anne Frank “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” What did it mean to you to play the role of Anne Frank? “Playing Anne Frank in this production has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life—words cannot fully capture how much it meant to me. It was an incredible honor to help share this important story and to work alongside such an amazing group of people, both cast and crew. I am truly heartbroken that this journey has come to an end, but I will always treasure the memories and friendships we created. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who made this experience so extraordinary.” – FIONA KELLER ’29 tHe arts come aliVe 10 AQUINAS LANDMARK | WINTER 2025
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