"The Diary of Anne Frank" Runs March 6-22 at Birmingham Village Players
"The Diary of Anne Frank" was created using excerpts from a young girl’s diary that detail the two years she and her family spent in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. This true story has captivated generations, including the cast and crew of Birmingham Village Players upcoming production of The Diary of Anne Frank, running March 6-22, 2026.
“I have followed Anne Frank’s story since I was her age—reading her diary, watching countless films and documentaries, and even visiting the Secret Annex,” said Royal Oak’s Stephanie Peltier who plays Miep Gies. “At times, the magnitude of what happened feels almost unreal, as though it couldn’t possibly have happened to real people.”
Joshua Harney, a speech and drama teacher from Grand Blanc, plays Anne’s father, Otto. “I've had the opportunity to go to both the Dachau and Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorials and that experience was truly sobering and life changing. This is a TRUE story about REAL people who endured REAL atrocities. That cannot be forgotten and must be shared with each successive generation so that it does not happen again.”
Peltier, a theatre teacher and director with Lamphere Schools, is deeply honored to portray Miep in this poignant and powerful production. Miep Gies was the lifeline to the real world for the eight people hiding the secret annex, bringing them food, supplies and news despite the danger to herself.
“She was a woman of extraordinary courage who never saw herself as extraordinary,” said Peltier. “I can only hope to honor her memory in this production and inspire all of us to stand up to injustice and hatred as she did.”
Harney learned a very special lesson from his research into Otto Frank. “He said he never really knew his daughter until he read the diary. That sticks with me as a father and teacher to make sure that I am spending the time to intentionally know my kids and my students, not just on a cursory level, but intentionally. Otto loved his girls deeply, and to have the regret after they were gone to say that you never really knew them is heartbreaking.”
Director Michael A. Gravame from Detroit has also been captivated by Anne Frank’s story since he first read Anne Frank, the Diary of a Young Girl in his 7th grade English Class.
“The impact Anne has had on the world was immeasurable then and is still to this day,” said Gravame. “This story can never be told enough, especially in the times that we live in now.”
Although the ensemble cast tells the story, the heart of it is carried by Josephine O’Reilly, the 13-year-old actress from Grosse Pointe who plays Anne. “I am honored to portray Anne,” said O’Reilly. “Since I have been working on the role, I have really come to understand that Anne’s optimism in parts of her diary was not innocence, but rather her intentional choice not to let hatred and evil define her existence.”
"The Diary of Anne Frank" has a message the world needs to hear. Don’t miss your chance to experience this moving production. The Diary of Anne Frank (Kesselman) runs March 6-22, 2026 at Birmingham Village Players. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30PM, and Sunday matinees start at 2PM.
Individual reserved tickets are $30 (includes ticketing fee). Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office, 248-644-2075, or by placing an order on the website, www.birminghamvillageplayers.com. "The Diary of Anne Frank", a play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, based upon “Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl,” newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman. "The Diary of Anne Frank (Kesselman)" is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)
Photo courtesy of Paul Manoian Photography
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3485205-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3485205-2
