Anastasia, Youth Edition
The months of February and March are typically Musical season in the Shenandoah Valley, offering many amazing performances by local schools for community members to enjoy. Broadway High School recently closed its run of “Shrek”, with the cast, crew and pit musicians all knocking that performance “out of the swamp” -– so much fun to watch! Bravo to all involved in the Broadway HS production!
The J. Frank Hillyard MS Performing Arts department is excited to present “Anastasia, Youth Edition” on March 14, 15 at 7:00pm, and March 16 at 3:00pm. All seats $6.00 are general admission, and tickets are available at the door only. Anastasia Youth is presented in cooperation with Concord Theatricals. Inspired by the beloved films, Anastasia takes audiences on a thrilling journey from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the vibrant 1920s Paris. The story follows a brave young woman named Anya, who is determined to uncover the mystery of her past. As she is pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer named Gleb, Anya teams up with Dmitry, a charming conman, and Vlad, a lovable former aristocrat. Together, they embark on a perilous adventure across Europe, seeking to help Anya find love, home, and family while evading Gleb’s deadly pursuit. The tale begins in 1907 when the Dowager Empress Maria Fyodorovna gives her granddaughter Anastasia a music box, unaware it will be their last meeting.
As Russia falls into revolution, the Romanov family is tragically murdered, and the Dowager Empress is left to mourn the loss of her entire family. Years later, in 1927, rumors surface that one Romanov daughter may have survived. Dmitry and Vlad, two opportunistic con artists, set out to find a girl to impersonate Anastasia in hopes of collecting a reward. They discover Anya, a young woman suffering from amnesia who bears striking similarities to the lost princess. As the group travels across Europe to Paris, Anya’s connection to the Romanovs deepens, and she begins to question if she might truly be Anastasia. In Paris, Anya finally meets the Dowager Empress, who is initially reluctant to recognize her as the granddaughter she lost. However, when Anya presents the music box, the truth is undeniable. But despite their reunion, Anya’s love for Dmitry and Gleb’s lingering threat complicate her future. In the end, Anya disappears with Dmitry, and the Dowager Empress declares Anastasia’s legacy to live on only as a legend.
The JFHMS production company has been working together since auditions began in October, and involves 52 students on stage, and another 39 working behind the scenes. Rehearsals are held 3 days each week, under the watchful eye of a team of dedicated adults, led by the two Directors and the Production Manager. The Director and Costumer for Anastasia Youth is JFH Choral Director Georgia Orfanides, assisted by alumnus Jackie Diaz; the Music Director is Jean Fiske; the Production Manager and Set Designer is JW Fiske; the Producer is Cathy Clare Brown; the Lighting and Sound Director is Chris Runion; Choreographers include Isabel Driver, Brette Emswiler and Ashlyn Mongold; the Lighting Designer is Addison Cherry; Playbill Design is by Jennifer Steinbach; Poster Design is by Nicole Driver; Photography is by Andy Sams. We hope you will join us for our performance of “Anastasia, Youth Edition” on March 14, 15 at 7:00pm, and March 16 at 3:00pm. All seats $6.00 are general admission, and tickets are available at the door only. Thank you for supporting our Performing Arts program!
