ANASTASIA – Music by Stephen Flaherty; Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens; Book by Terrence McNally; Directed by Tim Kennedy; Choreography by Rachel Lessard; Music Direction by Lee Ann Scherlong. Produced by Ovation West Theatre Company (Presented at Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen) through September 29, Tickets available at Ovationwest.org or 303-674-4002.
My first question to Director Tim Kennedy after watching his production of ANASTASIA was, “What made you think you could do this show in this theatre?” My thought driving to Evergreen was that this was too big a show in scope and demand to be done in the small Center Stage playing space and with the limited financial resources all smaller theatres are feeling right now. His confidence in his board, his community, his sponsors, and his players never faltered. Not only did he pull off the production, but he also created an unforgettable evening at the theatre for everyone who has the good sense to get an early ticket.
With 35 people in the cast, they could have been bumping into each other and stumbling over set pieces. However, this cast was exceedingly well trained in all aspects of production. Of special note was the choreography that was synchronized and well-constructed. The steps and patterns had been well-placed on the dancers, and they all looked as though they were having fun performing them, especially the Charleston that opens the second act. Even the scene changes seemed well-rehearsed, with costumed servants and royalty pitching in to get the necessary work done efficiently. The clever way they handled the changing direction of the train during the flight to Paris was creative, yet simple. With all 35 people involved in “moving” the train.
Also of special note are the magnificent costumes, over 400 of them. The royalty characters, both Russian and French, were exceedingly well dressed in originally designed, authentic gowns and uniforms. These represented the outstanding work of Davis Sibley whose design and construction skills are amazing with the finished products lovely to behold. I hope the Henry judges pay attention to this work for next year’s awards.
The cast’s fine voices were given equal consideration by Music Director Lee Ann Scherlong with beautiful ensemble work. The lead characters were given just enough direction to complement the score and the need to tell the story while still allowing individual style to their required songs. Even as they sang emotional and powerfully meaningful songs as well as numbers full of fun and humor, they were allowed to play just a little bit and show their individual talents. The whole production was musically strong, even the children.
With a cast this large, it’s hard to call out everyone who did a good job at storytelling. But attention must be paid to the work done by Rory Summitt as the unwilling Anastasia or Anya as she was called. As her character found confidence, she moved into whimsy and a more joyful approach to her new life that was delightful to witness. She had a moment as she realized she was leaving Russia and probably would never be allowed to return when she asked, “Let me have a moment.” You could feel the sorrow as she looked back into her homeland for the last time. Her somewhat prickly relationship with her travelling partners so gradually morphed into a comfortable familiarity and with Dmitry (Noah Meaux) into a flirtation. Noah’s manner and shaky denial of his feelings for her gave him charm. Together they were like teenagers in love.
The more mature players were properly jaded, knowledgeable, yet ready for fun. Especially charming was Arianna Olivarez as the handmaiden to the deposed Dowager Empress Maria (Christy Izmirian). Her comfort on both sides of her life – the loving, in control guardian of the gate to her liege counterbalanced by her fun-loving Charleston-dancing free soul at the parties – made her real. The renewal of her relationship with Vlad Popov, Demitry and Anya’s guide to Paris, as played by Stephen Krock, brought charm and joy to their arrival in Paris. Stephen seemed especially comfortable in his role and fun to watch. Christy portrayed a royalty-to-the-bone deposed duchess with the proper stiffness and disappointment at what her life had become. Her gradual melting as acceptance came to her brought new life.
As the “bad” guy, Deputy Commissioner Gleb, Kevin Eksterowicz did a nice job of balancing both sides of his character, the duty-bound official and the man doomed to love from afar. In a small but well-executed role Randall Parker as Count Ipolitov delighted. Most of the ensemble had lines and duties to carry out for the smooth operation of the production that they performed, sang and danced with precision and character. This was a cast that found the fun in telling this story.
A short run, but there’s one more weekend left to get tickets. You won’t be disappointed.
A WOW factor of 8.75!!