The Diary of Anne Frank 2026
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
By Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett
Newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman
- Audition dates: August 10 & 11, 6:30pm
- Performance dates: October 10,11,16,17,18
- Directed by Joy Fitzgerald
“A sensitive, stirring and thoroughly engaging new adaptation.” – New York Newsday
“Undeniably moving. It shatters the heart. The evening never lets us forget the inhuman darkness waiting to claim its incandescently human heroine.” – New York Times
“A powerful new version that moves the audience to gasp, then tears.” – Associated Press
In this transcendently powerful adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit and determination. An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic, The Diary of Anne Frank captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence – their fear, their hope, their laughter, their grief.
Through each day of these two dark years, Anne’s voice shines through: “When I write, I shake off all my cares. But I want to achieve more than that. I want to be useful and bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death!” This is a new adaptation for a new generation.
CAST
Otto Frank ........................................ Zachary Tyler
Anne Frank .................................... Jerusha Threatt
Margot Frank ................................ Katelynn Heaney
Edith Frank ..................................... Lydia Zimmerman
Hermann van Daan .................. Will Zimmerman
Petronella van Daan ............... Stacey Greenawalt
Peter van Daan ........................... Caleb Threatt
Mr. Dussel ....................................... Alden Smith
Miep Gies ....................................... Abreonna Moran
Mr. Kraler ......................................... Levi King
Nazi soldiers ................................ Jennifer Poole, Rick Boyd, Stephanie Moran
RICK BOYD - Nazi Soldier
Rick aka “ChiliRick” is famous for his award winning “Hardcore Chili Recipe." Rick was a Thespian in high school. He was bitten by the acting bug and appeared in several productions in college as well. Rick appeared as Colonel Mustard in LWA's 2023 production of CLUE and most recently as Justin, the butler, in LWA's 2026 production of ALIBIS.
STACEY GREENAWALT - Petronella van Daan
Stacey can still recite the soliloquies from her very first role, in a 1988 abridged production of Romeo and Juliet. Since then she has been playwright, actor, director, costumer, prop designer, scenic painter, and set designer, and has been nominated for several DFW theatre awards. Favorite roles include Lotty Wilton in ENCHANTED APRIL, Miss Hannigan in ANNIE, both Yente and Fruma-Sarah in two different productions of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and Christopher Wren in THE MOUSETRAP. Most recently she appeared as Monique, the maid, in LWA's ALIBIS.
KATELYNN HEANEY - Margot Frank
Katelynn is a local homeschooler who loves reading books, listening to music and the thrill of performing on stage. She enjoys spending time hanging out with friends and loves the silence and stillness while creating all forms of art, especially acrylic paint. She has appeared as Helena in LWA's Enrichment production of Shakespeare's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, among others.
LEVI KING - Mr. Kraler
Levi has appeared with Granbury Theatre Company, Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players, Plaza Theatre Company, and LWA, most recently as Seymour in LWA's production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Some of his favorite roles include Lt. Lenny Archer in KISS AND TELL, Wadsworth in CLUE, Passepartout in AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, newsboy in RAGTIME, and ensemble in LES MISERABLES.
ABREONNA MORAN - Miep Gies
Abreonna is a theatre nerd who attends Valley Mills High School. She recently appeared as the Cheshire Cat in LWA's summer production of THE TRIALS OF ALICE IN WONDERLAND.
STEPHANIE MORAN - Nazi Soldier
Stephanie Moran enjoys crafting of all kinds. From repurposing furniture, to painting, building, creating, and even glasswork. She loves gardening, the theater, music, and spending time with her growing children and husband. She puts her full heart into everything she does.
JENNIFER POOLE - Nazi Soldier
Jennifer has not yet submitted a bio.
ALDEN SMITH - Mr. Dussel
Alden assisted in the direction of LWA's presentation of Jones-Hope-Wooten's FARCE OF HABIT, having performed in their HALLELUJAH GIRLS, A CHRISTMAS CORAL, and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. In Waco, he played Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT and co-directed/produced several Greek and Roman dramas. He is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this important play.
JERUSHA THREATT - Anne Frank
Jerusha has been a part of LWA for two years, both on stage and as part of the Homeschool Enrichment Program. She enjoys writing, getting lost in books, and performing in plays. She has enjoyed every play she has been a part of, such as THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, THE NIFTY FIFTIES, and A CHRISTMAS CORAL. She has appeared as Titania in LWA's Enrichment production of Shakespeare's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, among others. She is excited to be a part of this production!
ZACHARY TYLER - Otto Frank
This is Zachary's second time working with LWA and he is so excited to be a part of this cast! He recently appeared as Detective E.S. Solvedd in LWA's ALIBIS. Previous credits include winning Best Supporting Male Lead for his portrayal of Walter Hobbs in ELF, has done work with UT Tyler for their production of INTO THE WOODS, and was in A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER. He wants to thank the director for casting him, and his family for their support. When he's not on stage, Zach is proprietor of Grey Wolf Provisions.
LYDIA ZIMMERMAN - Edith Frank
Lydia is thrilled to be part of THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK at LWA. She recently worked with LWA on LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS as part of the ensemble and worked behind the scenes for ALIBIS. When she's not volunteering, she loves to write, create mixed media art and sing. She wants to thank her family and two silly pups for all of their unwavering support.
CALEB THREATT - Peter van Daan
Caleb has been a part of Lake Whitney Arts for two years as actor and as a student of the Homeschool Enrichment Program. He enjoys making people laugh, working out, and acting with LWA plays. He has been in plays such as: BEST XMAS PAGEANT, NIFTY FIFTIES, and CHRISTMAS CORAL, and has helped paint sets. He recently appeared as Caliban in LWA's Enrichment production of Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST, among others. Caleb is excited to be a part of this production!
WILL ZIMMERMAN - Hermann van Daan
When he isn't on stage (and sometimes even when he is), William is a passionate and rather intense individual. His first play production was BROTHERS, and was performed here at Lake Whitney Arts. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS was his second play production, wherein he embodied the Plant (Audrey II). When he is not devouring his fellow actors onstage, he's a bit of a writer, something of a reader, and too much of a thinker. He adores his family, his friends, his coworkers, and his God.
JOY FITZGERALD STRINGER - Director
Joy has not yet submitted a bio.
CAROL MORRIS - Assistant Director
Carol has not yet submitted a bio.