I felt an immense amount of pressure from the very beginning, because this play would be unlike anything I have ever done. I could not bring my own interpretation to the character. She is real, and the need to get her performance right was so powerful within me. I feel like I owe this to her. But she isn’t just one girl, she represents an entire nation. There were plenty of girls like Anne, she just happened to keep a diary that was then recovered. I am honored to be able to have this story reach audiences, anywhere of any age. This cannot get lost in history, and I am so grateful that forms of art like theatre keep these memories alive, transcending from generation to generation.

From the beginning of the process, I had one goal in mind- to be so true to Anne and her spirit that people forget the ending. I wanted them to fall in love with our story in the moment. It’s like the favorite movie you’ve seen a million times, but you are so passionate about the characters that you hope and pray, maybe this time it will be different. You love them so much they give you hope, no matter what. That is what I hope the audience feels.

Looking at photographs of Anne, there is no one I have seen that can possess such a powerful amount of light and joy in one picture. Her smile and her eyes capture the essence of her hopeful soul, and some days I break down and cry whilst saying my lines, because it’s as if I know the outcome but Anne does not. “By the time we get out of here Margot, you’re going to forget how to dance! We have to practice all the time!” Such a casual, jovial, innocent line can cause me to choke on my words.

But this is not a sad show. The audience will not be depressed as they watch the Franks and Van Danns live their new lives in the Annex. This show is dynamic, hopeful, humorous and frightening. It is disheartening yet supportive. It is beautiful, and I cannot wait to share this piece of history with everyone.

The show debuts on Thursday November 19th 2015 at 7 P.M. and closes Saturday the 21st. Order your tickets before they sell out at: mhss.booktix.com.