Photography by Gena Horiatis
(l-r:) Ellen Covey plays Edith Frank, on the floor Olivia Spokoiny is Anne Frank, Tony Ventrella plays Otto Frank , and Maddie Gordon is Morgot Frank.

Community theatres are constantly popping up on the Eastside. Some are successful endeavors and others find it a struggle to make ends meet. They do their best to attract a loyal following, but with so many choices for live entertainment, audiences can be a fickle lot. Into this burgeoning scene comes a newcomer, Evergreen Family Theatre. Founded by local thespian Marsha Stueckle, of Bothell, and Todd Lundberg, of Woodinville, Evergreen seeks to be a theatre that goes beyond entertaining people.

“We want to inspire the community to reflect about life, to engage body, soul and spirit,” explains Stueckle. “I know we can’t answer life’s larger questions, but hopefully we can offer shows that are thought provoking. We’d love for the community to think of this theatre as a place to gather, meet friends and become involved. We want to reach out to people and connect with them on whatever level that appeals to them.”

Evergreen’s first show of its season is “The Diary of Anne Frank,” which Stueckle, who is the company’s artistic director, chose for its important and timeless message.She says, “This is a play that brings home the message that all life is sacred and no person or entity has the right to terrorize or endanger another human being.” She continues, “This past summer marked the 60th anniversary of the publication of Holocaust victim Anne Frank’s poignant journal. In this election year, while Americans fight in Iraq and Afghanistan and citizens of these countries struggle for normal lives, this young girl’s hopeful words seem more relevant than ever: ‘We all live with the objective of being happy, our lives are all different and yet the same.’”

The cast consists of thespians from all over the Puget Sound and features 13-year-old Olivia Spokoiny from Issaquah, in the role of Anne. Olivia, an accomplished star of stage and film, recently appeared in productions at Intiman and Village Theatres. Though she has enjoyed many professional roles, this particular production hits home for the young teen. Her father lost relatives in the Holocaust while family members on her mother’s side were among the first aid workers to assist Holocaust victims.

She comments, “It is exciting to bring my passion for acting to a play with such personal meaning.”

Others in the production include local broadcaster Tony Ventrella, as Otto Frank; Leota Jr. High student, Maddie Gordon, as Margot Frank; and Sara Call, in the role of Mrs. Van Daan. Call is the new Youth Director at Woodinville Repertory Theatre.

Stueckle is extremely pleased with her cadre of actors and has been having fun directing them during rehearsals. She describes her directing style as hands-on, but she also encourages cast members to jump in with their ideas and take responsibility for creating their characters.

Evergreen’s second mainstage show will be “It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play,” which will be performed next December. And the company’s youth theatre group will present “Oliver Twist” in August.

“We are already beginning to make our mark in the community with our drama workshops and camps for kids,” says Stueckle. “We will be conducting a spring break camp and then seven weeks of workshops in the summer, all geared toward youth. We want to be a full service theatre company, offering the community quality productions, as well as training/educational opportunities for kids.”

Evergreen’s shows will all be presented at RedWood Family Church, where co-founder Todd Lumberg serves as minister. “It’s a great space for theater,” adds Stueckle, “and it’s conveniently located between Woodinville and Redmond. We encourage everyone to come out and support us.”

“The Diary of Anne Frank” runs April 3-12 at RedWood Family Church, located at 111500 Redmond-Woodinville Rd. For ticket information, call (425) 885-2244 or visit www.evergreenfamilytheatre.org.