Second Street Players is proud to present its 2026 season opener, The Diary of Anne Frank, written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett based upon the book Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl and newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman.
Forced into hiding in a small attic with her family and friends in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam in 1942, Anne writes in her diary of her experiences, thoughts, emotions, the horrors of war, her relationship with her parents and her feelings for Peter. Over the next two years, Anne, her family and her friends experience hope, fear, laughter and grief in a space that becomes increasingly claustrophobic. Facing the constant threat of being discovered by the Nazis and the increasing challenges that include dwindling supplies, they are ultimately betrayed and the annex is raided by the Gestapo with everyone being arrested and sent off to concentration camps. The writings in the diary are as vital today as when they were first introduced to the world.
Anne Frank is portrayed by Natalie Howard, Otto Frank by Steven Perry, Edith Frank by Barbara Sartell and Margot Frank by Piper Drace. Mr. Van Daan is portrayed by Don Lonski, Mrs. Van Daan by Cheryl Graves and Peter Van Daan by Wesley Mann. Rounding out the cast are Shae Reid as Miep Gies, Jay DuPont Jimenez as Mr. Dussel, Len Hedges-Goettl as Mr. Kraler and Reif Anderson as the broadcaster.
Directed by Marge Ventura with Assistant Director Ann Nichols, all performances of The Diary of Anne Frank will be held at the Riverfront Theater, 2 South Walnut Street in Milford, DE. Show dates are scheduled for the weekends of January 30, 31, February 1 and February 6, 7 and 8, 2026. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 p.m. and Sunday shows begin at 2 p.m. Seats are $27 with a $2 discount available to seniors, students and SSP theater members.
To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit www.secondstreetplayers.com. Patrons who need assistance with the ticketing website or with other questions may email [email protected] or leave a message at (302) 422-0220.
Winning the Tony Award and New York Drama Critics Circle for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1956, The Diary of Anne Frank is produced by special arrangement with Dramatist Play Services (dramatists.com).
Second Street Players values diversity and inclusion in casting and in all other areas of production. This show is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowments of the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on DelawareScene.com.
