Slam Frank, the Off-Broadway musical that reimagines the Anne Frank story as a multi-ethnic, genderqueer hip-hop production, has extended its run through January 4, 2027. The show had initially been scheduled to close at the end of November, with the extension attributed to popular demand.
Written by Andrew Fox and Joel Sinensky, Slam Frank is playing at the Orpheum Theatre in Manhattan’s East Village. Previews began September 17, ahead of the official opening on October 4.
The musical was inspired by a viral 2022 Twitter thread asking, “Did Anne Frank ever acknowledge her white privilege?” Fox and Sinensky drew on statements from the online discussion. The production’s synopsis describes a progressive theater company reworking Anne Frank’s story as an intersectional, multi-ethnic, genderqueer, decolonized, anti-capitalist hip-hop musical, and calls the show a satire about identity, tribalism and art.
Directed by Sam LaFrage, the production features choreography by Esosa Oviasu and music direction by Alex Harrington. Olivia Bernábe plays Anita, the character based on Anne Frank, alongside Alex Lewis as Peter and Amelia Louise Barr as Margot. The cast also includes John Anker Bow, Austen Horne, Rocky Paterra, Jaz Zepatos and Walker Stovall.
Sources: Deadline.