'Anne Frank' musical a go despite protests

MADRID, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Multiple protests against a controversial musical version of "Anne Frank" will not prevent the theatrical performance from taking place in Madrid.

The Guardian reported Saturday the Spanish musical, which had been opposed by Frank's sole surviving relative, would enjoy its world premiere in Madrid next week.

"The Diary of Anne Frank: A Song to Life" had also been criticized by the Anne Frank Fund, the group organized to protect the historical diary's copyright. The foundation would not grant the musical the rights to the text and demanded the show not take place.

Buddy Elias, Frank's sole surviving relative, had slammed the musical for portraying his ancestors' historic fight for survival as a happy affair.

"The Frank family was living in hiding for two years, which ended in tragedy -- that's no theme for a happy evening of song and dance," Elias said.

Anne Frank was a Jewish girl living in German-controlled territory during World War II, who kept a diary chronicling her family's attempts to avoid detection by the Nazis. Her diary later published and became a literary sensation.

The Guardian said despite such emotional arguments, numerous performances of the new production have already been sold out.