Classic Remembrance
October 17, 2012Events

Classic Remembrance

Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl has been a poignant window into the Holocaust since it was first published in 1947, and Frances Goodrich’s and Albert Hackett’s adaptation for stage and film, The Diary of Anne Frank, has been seen by millions. Both the book and play have been celebrated (as touching and iconic) and slighted (as trite and sentimental), but the Milwaukee Rep’s production comes along as writers and critics (Francine Prose, among others) renew the effort to dub the book a modern classic, recognizing the girl’s remarkable writing and insight into the human condition. Decide for…

BY Paul Kosidowski
Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl has been a poignant window into the Holocaust since it was first published in 1947, and Frances Goodrich’s and Albert Hackett’s adaptation for stage and film, The Diary of Anne Frank, has been seen by millions. Both the book and play have been celebrated (as touching and iconic) and slighted (as trite and sentimental), but the Milwaukee Rep’s production comes along as writers and critics (Francine Prose, among others) renew the effort to dub the book a modern classic, recognizing the girl’s remarkable writing and insight into the human condition. Decide for yourself, as KJ Sanchez directs what should be a polished production. 
The Diary of Anne Frank. (Oct. 23-Dec. 2). Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. 108 E. Wells St., 414-224-9490, milwaukeerep.com.

Paul Kosidowski
Paul Kosidowski is a freelance writer and critic who contributes regularly to Milwaukee Magazine, WUWM Milwaukee Public Radio and national arts magazines. He writes weekly reviews and previews for the Culture Club column. He was literary director of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater from 1999-2006. In 2007, he was a fellow with the NEA Theater and Musical Theater Criticism Institute at the University of Southern California. His writing has also appeared in American Theatre magazine, Backstage, The Boston Globe, Theatre Topics, and Isthmus (Madison, Wis.). He has taught theater history, arts criticism and magazine writing at Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

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