On Friday and Saturday the Riverview Middle School theatre will be transformed into the hideaway where Anne Frank and her Jewish family stayed to hide from Nazis during the Holocaust.

Under the direction of Lauren Paoletto and Marcia Faircloth, Riverview Middle School students have been rehearsing and immersing themselves into their characters for the play, The Diary of Anne Frank.

Ive been in musicals pretty much my whole life, Alexis Bagley, who plays Edith Frank, said. Ive never really done something as major as this where I have to memorize so many lines and physically become this character the whole time. Its challenging, but fun.

The play has been an educational experience like no other, the students said. I think learning our lines and learning their history and going to the museum is more a learning experience than I would learn in the classroom, Bagley said of attending the Anne Frank museum in preparation for their roles. The museum is located in Sandy Springs.

Hannah Bagley, who plays Anne Frank, said she learned a lot by being involved in the play. Its feels inspiring to learn what she went through and her story, Bagley said.

Faircloth said they usually choose something more lighthearted or a musical as the school play, but this year decided for something more dramatic.

One thing this play has allowed us to do is learn about the Jewish faith, Faircloth said. Weve learned about menorahs and the proper way to light menorahWeve learned some of their habits as far as prayer, so youll see that in the play too. Tickets for the play are $6 for adults and $4 for students and can be purchased at the door. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information you may call Riverview Middle School at 706-216-4849.