The Diary of Anne Frank on stage at Machetanz Theatre

WASILLA — Join fresh faces and versed veterans for a local remake on an enduring classic. Expertly directed by Grant Olson, Valley Performing Arts’ performance of “The Diary of Anne Frank” retells the poignant story of a young Jewish girl struggling to reconcile her idealism with the oppressive World War II Nazi regime.

Hidden away with eight other Jews and one skinny cat for company, Anne documents two years’ worth of joys, fears and frustrations through her diary. Although the story is undoubtedly a sad tale, the cast and crew do an excellent job with incorporating enough playful humor and general silliness to counterbalance the story’s underlying despair and inevitable conclusion. Audiences will be sure to laugh and cry — possibly in the same breath.

Due to the nature of their living situation, only one set is used during the play. However, this set is intricately designed to depict three separate floors, and it is richly detailed with a variety of unique props.

The set is made even more successful by appropriate lighting and sound effects, and beautiful period costumes. It is this professionally simplistic medley of set, light, sound and costume that ultimately allows the cast to, literally and metaphorically, take center stage.

First-timer Gabbe Blackwell shines as Anne Frank, the spicy and saucy heroine with a heart of gold. She is joined on stage by bookish older sister Margot (Eva Severance); stalwart father Mr. Frank (Ted Carney); and gentle mother Mrs. Frank (Wendy Golter). In turn, the Frank family lives with the unpleasant Mr. Dussel (Scott Allred); the spiteful Mr. and Mrs. Van Daan (Anthony Borges and Shellie Riggan); and their quirky, cat-obsessed son, Peter Van Daan (Shane Preuit). Helpful Miep (Anastasia Snyder), logical Mr. Kraler (Bryan Ken), and Mouschi the cat conclude the cast list.

Although several actors had a few minor issues with their lines, such hiccups will be overcome with more performances. All in all, this cast skillfully showcases both the intimacy and the difficulty of living in such close quarters with World War II looming ominously in the backdrop.

Lasting about two and a half hours (including intermission), The Diary of Anne Frank does not have a dull moment. In fact, audience members will find themselves itching for more, perhaps even turning to the original book to capture for themselves a piece of Anne’s innocent belief that “in spite of everything … people are really good at heart.”

Although the production is clean and appropriate for all ages, parents should consider whether their children are mature enough to attend, given the historical context.

Performances continue through May 31 at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m., Sundays, at the Machentanz Theatre, 251 W. Swanson Ave., Wasilla.

Tickets can be purchased by phone at 373-0195, or online at valleyperformingarts.org.