Village Square Theatre is kicking off its 2024-25 season with a play based on the well-known diary of Anne Frank, which chronicles her and her family's hiding during the Nazi invasion of World War II.

"The Diary of Anne Frank" play comes to life on stage starting Sept. 6 in Lexington with director James Galluzzo.

The play runs through Sept. 15. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6, 13 and 14 and at 3 p.m. Sept. 7-8 and 15.

For those familiar with the book, the play is of no surprise, according to Galluzzo. He does point out that the play adaptation’s language is more modern and scenes are more concise, but that’s it as far as contrasts.

“It’s not a sad story. If anything, there is a definite string of hope,” Galluzzo said. “There is a hope meter. Anne is very hopeful as a person which is remarkable for what conditions she went through. ... It’s hard to fathom this was done to a group of people. The actors tell the story well.”
Directing a play based on history is rewarding, according to Galluzzo. He said the actors and actresses have to “commit to being emotional and open,” having to work through multiple emotional levels.
In addition to rehearsing and preparing for the play, Galluzzo and his team of actors also visited the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina, which is the only partner site for the Anne Frank house in North America, according to USC’s website.
“We were able to go and see and get the back story on the people,” Galluzzo said. “It has been really rewarding and if you ask the actors, it’s moving to try and understand what they went through."
Cash Conroy who plays Peter said, “It’s a different acting experience because they’re real.”
Conroy said he and the rest of the cast worked hard to “project the people and make sure they’re not forgotten.”
In addition to the young man, Peter, there are nine other cast members. Sloane Cary plays Anne. Galluzzo said the actress has many similarities to Anne.
The rest of the cast includes Joshua Rowe as Mr. Frank, Kristin Ferrante as Mrs. Frank, Colby Wilson as Margot and Mirauna Savu as Miep. Finally, Rae Kostal plays Mrs. Van Daan, Brian Teusink is Mr. Van Daan, M. Sean Cary is Mr. Dussel and Raymond Elling is Mr. Kraler.
The actors all stay on stage since, in reality, they weren’t able to leave their confinement. The stage is bigger than the space Anne, her family and friends hid in. Galluzzo said the orchestra pit represents the bookcase that hid the secret entry.
Galluzzo and the actors agree it’s a sobering experience for all.