Driscoll kids study Holocaust for drama
Before they could even begin nine weeks of rehearsal for "The Diary of Anne Frank," students at Driscoll Catholic High School dug into rigorous research.
Because the play touches on the Holocaust, director and English teacher David Wampach wanted his actors to gain a deep understanding of their characters.
"It is a heavy subject," Wampach said.
So the 13 cast members read Frank's diary, filled out a questionnaire about their characters, then met with the director individually to discuss their roles.
Now, the students' hard work will play out on Driscoll's stage as they perform "The Diary of Anne Frank" through Saturday.
Wampach said the play is especially challenging for the actors because they must work through it knowing the tragic end.
"Performing in a show where you know what the ending is going to be and that it's so sad can be very tough to deal with," he said.
But he said the talented students have succeeded in bringing the story's humanity to life. And that, he said, is why they ultimately chose this play.
"We try to do shows that young people can relate to," Wampach said.
Last year the school put on productions of "Footloose" and "Over the Tavern," which both deal with teens searching for identity and coming of age. And despite its tough subject matter and historical importance, much of "Anne Frank" deals with similar universal themes.
"You have to see the humanity in a really horrible situation," Wampach said. "(The Holocaust) is not just about the big numbers and the dates, but it's about the experiences people have gone through."
The show's cast is: Nicole Cipolla, junior; Phil Davis, senior; Joey deLutio, sophomore; Bob Magnus, senior; Taylor Medeiros, sophomore; Lucas Morrow, sophomore; Lauren Saverino, senior; Lucas Scheitz, senior; Katie Steifbold, freshman; Nick Stenzel, senior; Ciara Watts, junior; Andrew White, freshman; Lauren White, senior.
If you go
What: "The Diary of Anne Frank"
When: 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday
Where: Driscoll Catholic High School, 555 N. Lombard Road
Cost: $7; $5 for students, children and senior citizens
Details: (630) 543-6310