On November 3 and 4, the Adams Show Choir performed the musical Anastasia. The musical centers around a girl named Anya who has lost all memory of her past. Two con-artists try to convince her that she is the long-lost grand duchess, Anastasia, who is rumored to be alive even after her entire family, except for her grandmother, was killed years ago. The three go on a journey to Paris to see the Dowager Empress, Anastasia’s grandmother, to convince her that Anya is Anastasia so that the con artists can claim their reward. Throughout their journey, however, they figure out that Anya actually is Anastasia. Anastasia is then reunited with her grandmother, but decides not to stay in Paris and claim her fortune because she has fallen in love with one of the con artists, Dmitry.
The show choir put on a lively, colorful, energetic, and overall fun performance. Each of the leads Sophie Yazel (Anya), Owen Connely (Dmitry), and Zac Richardson (Vlad) have vocal ranges that fit their roles perfectly. The three had an amazing group dynamic that was evident from the song, “Learn to Do It”, in which Vlad and Dmitry train Anya to act as the Grand Duchess Anastasia and teach her the history that she needs to know. Rosa Morel, the actress that played the Dowager Empress, in addition to being one of the musical’s choreographers, commented about this scene, “I absolutely adored the rehearsal [that] Lilly (the director) and I spent working on ‘Learn to Do It’ with the three lead characters, Anya, Vlad, and Dmitry. Lilly focused on blocking and I did choreography, so the two of us collaborated and essentially workshopped the whole piece in that one rehearsal. It was so fun and I just remember being loud and laughing the entire time as we ran the scene over and over trying to get it just right… it was just a wild creative time.”
Sophie Yazel’s performance of “Journey to the Past” was particularly stunning as it was very emotional and had difficult vocals which Yazel nailed. Yazel herself commented, “My favorite song from Anastasia is ‘Journey to the Past’. Beyond just loving the vocals in this song, I love the meaning. This is the song where Anya pours out her heart and tells the audience she believes she may actually have a chance. This song is Anya’s way of embracing who she really is and saving hope that her life will shape up.” Another song that was a highlight of the performance was, “Paris”. In my opinion, this upbeat song had the best choreography out of all the musical numbers done throughout the show, as there was an evident energy and overall fun mood to “Paris”.
Another incredible part of the performance was Rosa Morel’s acting as the Dowager Empress. Morel excelled at playing the difficult role, as the Dowager Empress is very bitter and heartbroken, a role that is not easy for a teenager to play. Morel described the role of the Dowager Empress, saying, “She is a complicated woman who has endured a lot of heartbreak and emotional turmoil, but virtually no actual hardship. In many ways, she has suffered more than anyone else in the play, since she has had to live with the knowledge that everyone she loves has died, whereas the other person who has had this experience has the advantage of blissful ignorance -Anastasia does not remember any of what happened to her or her family. As the Dowager, I must be stern and honest and deeply bitter, but it all comes from a place of love. Ultimately, she is not an angry individual; she is grieving.”
The costumes for the performance were spectacular and breathtaking. The ball gowns for the first scene and the end scene were colorful and absolutely beautiful. The set was a little simple, but pretty nonetheless and the set changes were quick and smooth.
Overall, the play was excitingly vibrant. Lilly Brewer, the director of the play, commented, “I have learned so much from the production. I’ve become more patient and willing to work with people. I’ve also become more open to conflict and working through issues within a group of people.” Sophie Yazel recalled, “I have learned so much throughout this amazing experience. I learned how to work with what you have and make something beautiful out of it. I have so much respect for all of my fellow cast members and I have learned so much from each and every person.” Indeed, school performances seem to be beneficial learning experiences and provide excitement to the school’s community. I encourage all students to support their school’s productions.
