By JULES SHINKLE
BG Independent News
Rumors of Anastasia, lost princess of the Romanovs, are still kicking over a century later.
Front Street Players, formerly known as Grand Rapids Historical Society’s Theatrical Productions, is putting on “Anastasia: The Musical” under the direction of Faith Carroll and Abbie Miller. The show runs this weekend (July 10-12) at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Performances are being held at the Grand Rapids Town Hall Theatre. Tickets are available for purchase online.
This rendition of “Anastasia” is written by Terrence McNally and composed by Stephen Flaherty. They’ve adapted it from the 1997 animated film in which the titular amnesiac embarks on a journey to rediscover herself. She’s the sole remaining member of the royal Romanov family but has no memory of her true identity.
Many years after the Russian Revolution, the people of Leningrad are gripped by a rumor that the princess Anastasia survived her family’s execution.
Anya (Annabelle Bucko) lives her adult life as a poor street sweeper. Her amnesia has made life difficult and confusing, fending for herself but hopeful that she’ll recover who she was someday.
Two conmen, Dmitry (Cooper Unverferth) and Vlad (Ben Forman), capitalize on the rumors by holding auditions for Anastasia look-alikes. Their plan is to fool the princess’s grandmother Dowager Empress Maria (Kailyn Jade), now residing in Paris, into accepting the imposter Anastasia into her family and rewarding them for her return. The two almost give up before meeting Anya, who bears an uncanny resemblance.
Gleb (Derek Miller) is a general for the Bolsheviks tasked with squashing these rumors. Because his father was the one in charge of executing the Romanovs, Gleb has a vested interest in finishing the job. Once he catches wind of Dmitry and Vlad’s plot, he interrogates Anya only to be charmed by her. Gleb’s resolve wavers, wondering if his commitment to duty could bring him to hurt someone like her.
Dmitry too finds himself pulled to Anya as he and Vlad train her to become fluent in the ways of royalty. Anya learns at a remarkable pace, recalling details like the color of a distant relative’s pet dog before Vlad can even explain them. The three embark on a train to Paris before the borders close and Gleb’s soldiers can capture them.
All parties are conflicted in their motivations save for Anya, whose conviction to realize her identity drives her every step. She and Gleb are haunted by the same tragedy, both in need of closure in order to move on.
The musical is performed marvelously by a large, all-ages cast and a small but mighty pit orchestra. “Anastasia” is packed with musical numbers (many recognizable from the movie) whose singers do an excellent job under the leadership of Alain Miller, music director. The choreography of Libby Roth paints each scene, from regal ballrooms to classical ballet, with excitement and elegance.
Front Street Players have put together a strong production for their debut performance under a new name. If “Anastasia” is any indication of their trajectory, we can continue to look forward to their summer musicals brimming with regional talent.
