The Warrior Theater Company presents the musical ‘Anastasia’
By Savannah Juiel, Editor-in-Chief
After approximately 155 hours of rehearsal, the Cornerstone high school cast and crew of “Anastasia” is set to present the popular musical April 16, 17 and 18 at the Cornerstone Church Praise Center.
The musical came after the success of the cult classic Disney film by the same name.
“The plot is still relatively the same as the movie,” said head director and theater teacher Tanisha Smith. “The musical is loosely based off the Bolshevik Revolution. Basically, the Romanov family did not do the right things for the people, so the revolutionaries come into the palace and execute the whole family, but some believe that the youngest daughter, Anastasia Romanov, might still be alive.”
During the fallout of the revolution, many nobilities and royals that were still living were exiled. The Dowager Empress, living in exile in Paris, offers a reward for finding her lost granddaughter Anastasia. Two conmen, Vlad and Dmitry, try to take advantage of this by searching for a girl who could pass as the princess. They meet a girl with amnesia named Anya and decide to train her to act like Anastasia. As they travel to Paris, they begin to wonder if she might actually be the real Anastasia.
In addition to the fascinating plot, the musical has a gifted cast and crew of 61 students, Smith said.
The lead role of Anastasia will be played by Emmalee Barnes; the two conmen, Dimitry and Vlad, will be played by Ethan Maldonado and Brady Campbell; the Dowager Empress will be played by Audrey Bain; and the Dowager Empress’s lady in waiting, Countess Lily, will be played by Lauren Quintana.
Barnes said playing the role of Anastasia is a dream come true, as the “Anastasia” Disney film was one of her favorites growing up.
“When I found out we were doing it, I was really excited, so I just worked really hard,” Barnes said.
When the cast list came out, she cried “tears of joy.” Her mother has a video of her joyfully crying as she saw her name next to the title role.
The role requires a lot of energy. Barnes not only has to remember her cues and lines, but she also must dance and move around the stage. Having to do that for four performances requires stamina.
“It just has been a lot of endurance because you're also dancing around the whole time and singing while you're doing all that,” Barnes said. “It’s a lot harder than people think. But it's still fun.”
Along with a “talented cast” is an “extremely talented and creative team.” While Smith is the head director, Fine Arts Director Peter Barnes has stepped in as the music director. Classically trained dancer Rosemary Marroquin is the choreographer, and one of Smith’s former students, Bryan Campbell, is the assistant director.
“It has a been a monumental task to put this incredible show together!” Smith said. “The music, the choreography, the costumes, the set – it's been a true labor of love. I cannot wait for everyone to see these talented students and all their hard work come to life on the stage.”
“Anastasia” will be performed at 7 p.m. April 16, 17 and 18, with an additional 2 p.m. show on April 18. For tickets, go to https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/cornerstone/L2VtYmVkL2V2ZW50LzM2Ng==
Photo credits: Photos by Mia Vasquez and Audrey Ramos
