Marla Ballard Columnist
Northeast Alabama Community College Theatre presents the musical Anastasia on April 25-28 and May 2-5.
The story of Anastasia Romanoff refers to the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia (1901-1918). Anastasia was the fourth and youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, the last sovereign of Imperial Russia, and his wife, Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna.
Anastasia and her immediate family were all killed in a cellar where they had been confined by the Bolsheviks following the October Revolution.
Anastasia’s supposed escape and possible survival was one of the most popular historical mysteries of the twentieth century, provoking many books and films. Rumors of Anastasia’s possible escape circulated after her death, fueled by the fact that the location of her burial was unknown during the decades of communist rule. Her purported survival has been conclusively disproven after her remains were found and DNA testing was done in 2007.
While the musical production is a rendition based on the character of Anastasia from the early 1900s, the play adds its own twist. At least 10 women have claimed to be Anastasia, offering varying stories of survival. No spoilers here: Go and see the angle the musical presents on this real-world story.
The work that goes on behind the scenes is as crucial as the day(s) of the show. When auditions begin for any community theatre performance all students, college personnel, and the public are invited to tryout.
“Anastasia has around 70 cast and crew members,” said Kayleigh Smith, NACC Theatre Director. “This show will be on a grand scale with roughly 25 songs and at least 10 stage settings.
“It takes a year to plan a show,” said Trey Gilliland Administrative Assistant to the theatre office. “Then from January to April the rehearsals take place.” Smith said she appreciates the commitment the volunteer cast and crew make to put on a production. “The rehearsals generally last three and a half hours and are three nights each week for four months, with some all-day Saturday rehearsals,” said Smith.
Period costumes, emotionally stimulating melodies and lyrics, and the feeling of sitting in the royal palace or at a St. Petersburg outdoor market will keep patrons full attention. “We could not put on a production of this magnitude without support from the college and Dr. Campbell,” said Smith.
“We are truly grateful to produce such high-quality shows in our rural area for the low price of $8. Making theatre accessible to our community is very important to us here at NACC.”
Regular patrons of the arts at the NACC theatre will recognize some of their favorite actors and actresses. The lead character of Anya will be played by Georgia Williams. Williams played Belle in Beauty and the Beast in 2018. “I began performing in theatre at NACC during my first summer youth camp at age nine,” said Williams.
“I am now on my final semester of school here, and I could not be more grateful that I am getting to play the lead in my last show. I am incredibly thankful for all the friendships and memories I have made throughout the years.”
“My character in Anastasia will be Gleb Vaganov. His father executed the royal family and Gleb is now deputy commissioner in the new government. He is torn between his love of country and his compassion towards this potential princess,” said Bob Johnston, who previously played Judas in Godspell. “Making music and telling stories is fulfilling, but what I appreciate most is collaborating with this talented community of young people.”
“I play the role of the Dowager Empress of Russia, Anastasia’s grandmother.
She hears rumors that Anastasia may still be alive and puts up a reward in hopes of finding her beloved granddaughter,” said Margaret McClure.
“We are truly blessed with a very talented cast and crew; I am very excited about the show.”
McClure has been doing theatre productions since 1989 and has performed in more than 30 different productions, many of which she has played the leading role.
“Much work goes into this production,” stated NACC President Dr. David Campbell. “The results of all this work is evident in the high quality of the production. Northeast prides itself on its long history of bringing theatre to our area. The college makes all efforts to keep ticket prices low so people may attend. We support theater by providing the best in sound, lighting, sets and equipment which all go into a quality production. We want the best for our cast and crew and audiences!”
Showtimes are Thursday - Saturday 7 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m., April 25-28 and May 2-5. The musical will be presented at the Tom Bevill Lyceum, 138 AL - 35, Rainsville. Tickets are $8 per seat. For tickets and more information go to www.nacc.edu/theatre or call 256-638-4418, extension 2218. Reserved seating.
Appropriate for all ages. Anastasia is presented by arrangements with Concord Theatricals.
