Fine & Performing Arts

North Central College presents the timeless production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” in a premier performance in the College’s new Madden Theatre, a showplace in the new Wentz Concert Hall and Fine Arts Center. Directed by North Central professor of theatre emeritus and Naperville theatre legend Donald “Doc” Shanower, the classic play chronicles the life of a young Jewish girl and her family’s concealment from the Nazis during the Holocaust. “As North Central was planning its first production in the new Madden Theatre, we felt it was only right that our pioneer get to use the space first,” says Carin Silkaitis, assistant professor of theatre. “We’re thrilled he’s back. And students and the audience will benefit from his extensive knowledge of theatre as well as his life experience; Doc lived through the time in history of this play.” 

For decades, theater in Naperville was synonymous with Doc Shanower. He joined North Central College in 1955 as its first full-time instructor of theatre and in 1969 founded Naperville’s community Summer Place Theatre. Even after his retirement, both ventures have continued to thrive and impact the cultural landscape of the College and Naperville community.   

Shanower says he chose “The Diary of Anne Frank” because of its powerful plot and emotional storyline. “This play strikes a chord in the hearts and minds of people, especially Jewish people, who had undergone this terrible experience. We’re telling their story and I’m remaining as honest with the playwriting as I possibly can,” says Shanower. “The Diary of Anne Frank” opens in the Madden Theatre, a 2,500-square-foot black box performance space that seats up to 150 patrons in a variety of seating and staging configurations to suit the production. “The Diary of Anne Frank” will be performed on a thrust stage, bringing actors and audience up close and personal during the play.