The Diary of Anne Frank Holds Deep Meaning for its Birmingham Cast and Crew
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Opening March 6, Birmingham Village Players
“As a Jewish person, who lost relatives in the Holocaust, this show has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember.” -- Udi Kapen.
The story of 13-year-old Anne Frank who spent two years hiding with her family
from the Nazis during World War II has captivated generations since her diary was discovered and published. This is especially true of the cast members for Birmingham Village Players upcoming production of The Diary of Anne Frank, running March 6-22, 2026.
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.”
Caryn Gach Leonard of Pleasant Ridge plays Anne’s mother, Edith Frank. “For me as a Jewish woman and a mother, playing a “real” Jewish woman and mother who suffered through the harrow of the Holocaust is both an honor and emotional undertaking.”
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. “...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.”
Anne’s older sister, Margot, is played by Stella Fenton of Beverly Hills. “As a young Jewish woman, I am grateful to be a part of such a meaningful performance telling an important story.”
West Bloomfield’s Udi Kapen is the current president of Village Players and a frequent actor on the BVP stage. He plays the role of Mr. Van Daan, Otto Frank’s business partner and the father of Peter, Anne’s friend and love interest.
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.”
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.
