< Performance photos from The Bridge Theatre’s highly successful production last year of The Diary of Anne Frank. The company is once again staging the classic play for student groups, this time at Ocoee High School, with several weekday performances for students and a public performance on October 5.
“We wanted to build a legacy project. The shared experience is what we are looking for – the shared theatrical, cultural, emotional experience.” The Bridge Theatre’s version of the classic play incorporates several multimedia elements into the show, including an original video, historic photographs, and key facts and figures to make the story even more impactful for today’s audiences. “It is important for the kids to get an understanding that these were real people – a father, a mother, daughters,” says Karen. “We want them to connect with the Franks as people, not just as history.” Adds Jennifer, “The message that we want to hit home year after year is that hate is unacceptable, and that we need to treat people with kindness.” with eight weekday matinee performances for students and an open-to-the-public matinee at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 5. The Bridge Theatre is presenting the one-act school version adapted by Wendy Kesselman from the acclaimed play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. For tickets or more information, visit TheBridgeTheatre.org. The Diary of Anne Frank will be staged at Ocoee High School’s theater in October,
A Theatrical Legacy Emma Myerson, a 16-year-old junior at West Orange High School, is among the cast members from the ’24 production who are returning for the ’25 version. Last year, she played the role of Anne in
some performances and the role of Anne’s sister Margot in others. This year, she will be portraying Anne, a demanding role that resonates strongly with Emma, who is Jewish herself. “Anne is not afraid to be who she is and represent herself,” says Emma, “even though this is a time when everybody’s scared to show who they are.” Zee Klem, who portrayed Margot in some of last year’s performances, is returning to take on the role again. Zee, 20, is a graduate of Lake Howell High School and a student at Seminole State College. “The story of Anne Frank is very, very important,” says Zee, “especially with the state of the world nowadays. I really love the outreach that The Bridge Theatre is trying to do.” Karen, the play’s director, is excited to bring Anne’s story to a new audience of students, building on the success of last year’s production. “When Jennifer and I originally envisioned what we were going to do, we didn’t want it to be a one-off,” says Karen.
39 FALL 2025 | J LIFE
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