Leslie Vincent certainly has a history with The Diary of Anne Frank at Park Square Theatre. If you saw the show in 2015, you would have seen her play the role of Anne. However, due to scheduling conflicts the following year, Vincent was unable to return in that capacity until 2017 when another character called for Vincent’s talents – that of Margot Frank, Anne’s older sister.
For those unfamiliar with the history of events detailed in Anne Frank, Margot is the eldest daughter of parents Otto and Edith Frank. She is three years older than Anne and is often described as quiet, studious and obedient. In her life, she was an excellent student in all the schools she attended, especially in Amsterdam after the family emigrated following Adolf Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor in 1933. Soon after Margot started high school, however, she was called to report to a “work camp” in Germany in 1942. This is what prompted the family then to find refuge in the secret annex where they lived in hiding for two years. During that time, Anne would both resent and love her sister as they grew close and remained physically together until they both succumbed to typhus while at Auschwitz.
Margot Frank,1939. Anne Frank House.
Having played both characters is definitely unique and Leslie Vincent is grateful for the opportunity. She has been living and working in the Twin Cities since 2013, moving here from Washington, D.C.. Outside of Park Square, Vincent can often be found performing in comedies and musicals, as well as her own cabaret nights featuring folk music and jazz, with performances by various local artists. She will be a part of the original musical Jefferson Township Sparkling Junior Talent Pageant at Park Square in the spring of 2019, working with many friends and long-time collaborators. This sense of ensemble is something that she values and brings to her work on The Diary of Anne Frank, noting that, “… we love each other, look out for each other, and lift each other up. It’s a heavy show to carry, and sharing the burden makes it easier.”
One can imagine with a show like The Diary of Anne Frank, it could be easy to get lost in the sorrow of portraying such tragic characters. The fact that these were real people whose experiences actually happened, would be a challenge to convey positively for any actor. Yet, there really is a beauty in the story that the cast is sure to mine from the depths.
I hope people see the beautiful uniqueness of each character onstage. Too often, we resort to generalizations. But this show breaks it up and allows the audience to see so many reactions to a horrifying event. When those in power try to spread fear and distrust, they want us to forget that we are talking about humans. Each with individual and unique hopes, dreams, fears, faults, insecurities. I hope that the students see themselves in us, and fight back against those who would rather divide us.
In rehearsals for The Diary of Anne Frank (l to r): Laurie Flanigan Hegge, Michael Paul Levin, Sulia Altenberg and Leslie Vincent
(Photo by Connie Shaver)
When audiences see The Diary of Anne Frank, they’ll be treated to those sentiments and Leslie Vincent’s rich portrayal of Margot Frank. The show plays select dates until April 28.
Tickets and information can be found here.
