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Anya (Jillian Smith) remembering the past in ‘Anastasia.’
“Anastasia” isn’t billed as a holiday show per se, but the production by Hillbarn Theatre & Conservatory is truly a gift to its audiences.
This musical shifts from St. Petersburg, Russia, to Paris in the days and years following the Russian Revolution in 1917.
Its central character is Anya (Jillian Smith), a young Russian woman who’s not sure who she is, but she wants to find out.
She teams up with Dmitry (Brad Satterwhite) and Vlad (Alex Hsu) after rumors that one of Tsar Nicholas II’s daughters might have evaded the firing squad that killed him and his family in 1918.
They want to pass her off as that daughter, Anastasia, and possibly collect a reward. Therefore, they travel to Paris where the Tsar’s mother, the Dowager Empress (Judith Miller) has taken refuge.
Anya comes to suspect that she really is Anastasia. Is she Anastasia with repressed memories of trauma, or is she living out a fantasy? We never know, but it’s fun to speculate.
Astute direction by Catherine Weidner, along with a talented cast and production team, brings out the best of the music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and book by Terrence McNally.
Smith as Anya embodies the character’s grit and determination as well as her vulnerability. She’s well paired with Satterwhite as Dmitry and Hsu as Vlad, especially as the attraction between her and Dmitry grows.
Miller has a dignified, regal presence to the Dowager Empress, and she’s one of the best singers in the cast.
She’s attended by her lady-in-waiting, Countess Lily (Jacqueline De Muro), who shows her versatility in singing and dancing scenes.
The cast of 'Anastasia.'
Tracy MartinDancing, ranging from waltzes to the Charleston and ballet, is another of the show’s strong points, thanks to choreographer Karen Law.
The set by Paulino Deleal (lighting by Pamila Gray) is relatively simple. It’s dominated by two large staircases, one at each side of the stage to start, but they’re moved as scenes shift. Otherwise, only a few set pieces are used.
Instead, projections by Steve Muterspaugh, the company’s artistic director, help to evoke settings. Sound is by Jeff Mockus.
More kudos go to Nolan Miranda, who designed the character-specific costumes. The Dowager Empress’ dresses are quite elegant, as befits her character.
Most actors in the 18-member cast change character and costumes frequently. One can only imagine how busy things are backstage.
Musical direction is by Diana Lee, who plays the keyboard and conducts the other seven members of the orchestra, which is seated above the right side of the audience.
Running about two hours and 40 minutes, “Anastasia” will continue through Dec. 29 at Hillbarn Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City.
For tickets and information call (650) 349-6411 or visit hillbarntheatre.org.
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LittleFoot said:
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LittleFoot said:
LittleFoot said:
Anybody with a nose ring is mentally ill.
LauraB1969 said:
Sue Lempert said:
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