Local theater lovers should have plenty to do this weekend as both the Players’ Guild of Dearborn and the Dearborn Heights Civic Theatre begin multiple-weekend runs of their late-winter productions, "The Diary of Anne Frank," and "The Nerd," respectively.

In this gripping new adaptation of "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Wendy Kesselman, newly discovered writings from young Anne’s diary, as well as survivor accounts are interwoven to create a contemporary impassioned story of the lives of people persecuted under Nazi rule. This is an adaptation for a new generation able to confront the true horrors of the Holocaust.

"The Diary of Anne Frank" features the talents of Chelsea Rourke as Anne Frank, Lindell Salow as Otto Frank, Jeanine Matlow as Edith Frank, Claudia Walrad as Margot Frank, Rebecca Martin as Meip Gies, Jordan Rossen as Peter Van Daan, Mike Lopez as Mr. Kraler, Jerry Salas as Mr. Van Daan, Patti Jones as Mrs. Van Daan, Tom Sparrow as Mr. Dussel, Jim Kirwan as the First Man, and Paul Bruce as the Second Man.

The Players Guild will present eight performances of The Diary of Anne Frank throughout March. The performances are: March 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23.

Tickets are $11 (reserved seats). Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. with the ticket booth opening at 7:15 p.m. Sunday Matinees begin at 2:30 pm with the ticket booth opening at 1:45 p.m. Late seating is at the discretion of the theater.

The ticket booth is also open on Wednesday nights throughout the season from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., as well as on the following dates:

Sunday, Mar. 2nd, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday, Mar. 3rd, 10th and 17th, from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. For ticket information and availability, call 561-TKTS.

"The Nerd" is about a man, Willum Cubbert, who is rescued from certain death in Vietnam by an unseen protector named Rick Steadman. Years later, with Willum's life seemingly in order, this mystery man, Steadman, returns to collect on Willum’s statement "if there’s ever anything you need…" And Steadman’s presence turns Willum’s and his friends’ lives upside down.

"(This is) quite simply the funniest show I’ve ever seen," said the production’s director, Marc Walentowicz. "I saw a high school production of it in 1993 and I never laughed harder.

"The ending is a shocker and the laughs literally go from curtain to curtain."

The first show is tomorrow night, with subsequent show on Saturday, and March 14 through 15.

Ticket prices are $9, and $7 for seniors and students.

Dearborn Heights Civic Theatre is located at 26155 Richardson in north Dearborn Heights.

For more information, call 277-7228 or 561-1275.