In March, Kingsway’s Theatre program illuminated the stage with the well-anticipated Anastasia.
From bright, colorful lighting to realistic set pieces, this talented cast and crew brought this extravagant show to life. This incredible show had audience members come back again and again, in awe of the beauty of the program.
Anastasia: The Musical, based on the 1997 film of the same name, is written by Terrence McNally (book), Stephen Flaherty (music), and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics). The show centers around an amnesiac named Anya (Avery Forst) who, with the help of two con men named Dmitry (Landon Pollard) and Vlad (Brennen Brown), tries to discover if she is the lost Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov.
The musical is set in 1920’s in St. Petersburg and Paris, two gorgeous locations flawlessly recreated by the musical’s crew members. Mason Corey, Kingsway senior, oversaw the set design of the performance, planning out how to recreate the magnificent Broadway scenes including a climactic train sequence, remarkable Russian castles, and vibrant pub sequences.
The set designs’ beauty, realism, and lively nature were truly one major highlight of the performances. Along with breathtaking set pieces came lavish costumes fit for Russian royalty.
Each actor in the production had their own special set of clothes that were handmade, historical, and special, bringing all the comrades, Parisians, and Romanovs to the stage.
This musical would be nothing without the most talented directors behind it, Director Ms. Barr, theatrical director Chris, music director/conductor Mr. Carpenter, and choreographer Amber Barr. In addition, the brilliant live instruments, directed by Mr. Carpenter, were pivotal to making the musical out of this world.
The performance was the culmination of an immensely talented production team, cast, and direction team. One of the most successful musicals in Kingsway’s career, Anastasia, will certainly remain one for the books and set a precedent for Kingsway’s theatre department’s future works.
Congratulations to the entire team, but especially to all the seniors who have helped this program grow into the magic it is today.
By Nethiri Umashanger
