The musical Anastasia is opening at Voorhees High School on November 18. Based on both the 1956 movie starring Ingrid Bergman and the 1997 animated movie, Voorhees Drama Club is excited to have the opportunity to produce this new release. Students are even more excited to welcome audience members into the theatre after 19 months of streaming shows and limited seating.
The musical explores the last royal Russian family and the mysterious rumor that one of the Romanov daughters may have survived the family’s horrible fate. After hearing this rumor, con man Dmitry, played by senior dance captain Alastair Stewart, and royal imposter Vlad Popov, played by senior Tyler Zappa, decide to find a girl and pass her off as the princess Anastasia in order to collect a hefty reward. Dmitry and Vlad know that Anastasia’s grandmother, the Dowager Empress played by junior dance captain Mary Kate Palmisano, is desperate to find her granddaughter. Dmitry and Vlad encounter a street sweeper, played by senior Demitra Ypsilantis, who has amnesia and a mysterious past. The men teach Anya all she needs to know, and as they do, she has memories that are unexplained. As the trio make their way to Paris to meet up with Vlad’s former flame and the Empress’ lady in waiting, the Countess Lily, played by junior Mckenzie Miller they learn that they are being followed. A Soviet officer Gleb Vaganov, played by sophomore Nicholas Leyesa has taken a unique interest in Anya.
Our additional cast members are Estefanie Veliz, Mallory Kelco, Joaquin Arce, Liam Bolger, Roman Melendez, Sidonie Lyons, Kelly Deo, Isa Sanchis, Aidan Fitzpatrick O’Neill, Brody McDowell, Julian Arce, Alfonso Fajardo, Jane Lyons, Lucia Paz Sanchez, Kaitlin Milleli, Andi Duncan, Adeline Cooper, Keira Scott. Our tech crew consists of senior technical director Thomas Larsen, stage manager Sarah Begosh, assistant stage manager Sam Walton, student music director Matthew DiGiovanni, sound designer Noah Rodgers, lighting designer Mia Fosburgh, spotlight operators Logan Zappa, and Chili Hance, and projection supervisor Ryan Denkovic. Stage Crew members include Rachel Balsamello, Paul Lenski, Madison Schrimpe, Alessia Sainte-Rose, Jack Wotanowski, Mason Shivers, Rianna Kulakowski, Morgan Strahle, Gillian Honeycutt, and Katie Goad.
The staff members involved in putting on this show are Joe Reynolds handling tickets and publicity, Nancy Reynolds directing and doing design work, Aaron Willsey who does set construction, Laurie Hance sewing costumes, and Andrew Finck teaching vocal music.
This wonderful story can be enjoyed November 18th, 19th, and 20th at 7PM and November 21 at 2pm at the Voorhees High School auditorium. All guests are required to wear a mask for the duration of the show and we encourage you to purchase tickets in advance to ensure that you get a seat. Tickets in advance are $14 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens. Click here for ticket order form. Tickets will be sold at the door for $15 each. You can request additional information by emailing Joe Reynolds at jreynolds@nhvweb.net or by calling 908 638-6116 ext 7670.
