Contributed by Brenda Davis
In November of 2017, Colony High School Marching Band, Color Guard, and Choirs flew to New York City to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was on this trip that the group of over 200 students, staff, parents and family members attended Anastasia the Musical on Broadway. Inspired by this beautiful production, CHS choir director Kelly Rentz and CHS band director Dr. Jamin Burton decided to bring the production to our hometown.
This February Anastasia will be performed at the Glenn Massay Theatre. Over 70 cast and crew members and 21 musicians forming the orchestra have been rehearsing for the past four months and it promises to be a gorgeous event.
Actor Porter Reynolds says of the production, “Being a part of this show has been amazing! Despite a few challenges, such as losing a week of rehearsal due the windstorm, our directors Kelly Rentz and Jamin Burton have done a great job putting this show together. Our choreographers and costumers have been wonderful to work with. Prepare to be in awe by the talent of this cast! This is the perfect show for the reopening of the Glenn Massay Theatre!”
Inspired by the beloved films, Anastasia transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920’s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.
Colony High School Senior Charly Rentz plays the role of Anya (Anastasia). When asked what challenges the production has presented, she says “The most challenging thing about bringing this story to life has been making my character my own, and getting into her brain so that I can portray her authentically. Growing up I love the animated film and Anya was the first princess I saw that was sassy and stubborn – a lot like me. She is royal blood and has those characteristics in her subconscious, but she’s funny and haughty and genuine because she’s also had to find her own way around as a commoner.
Broadway’s Anastasia took a sweeter approach with her character, but across the board, Anya has this unshakable passion to find her truth. She also has deep rooted trauma regarding her past, which is something we can all relate to and interpret in our own ways. It’s really been trial and error when figuring out how I personally want to portray her – what tonality to use here and how to carry myself there – but we are very similar in a lot of ways, so when something sticks, it really sticks. And I think it carries off onto the rest of the cast.”
When asked who should see this production, Charly responded, “Anyone who has ever been lost and had to find their way through it. It isn’t just Any’s story – every character in the show has a story with thorough depth, and a different way of coming into themselves. I think that the most heart-wrenching story is that of the main antagonist, Gleb. He’s a Russian deputy who is torn between his sense of right and wrong throughout the show because of something that happened to him in his childhood. In the end, the only way of accepting himself is through love, just as it is for Anya, her grandmother, and everyone else. I’ve struggled with being lost a lot in my life, and so has everyone in the cast, so it’s interesting to see them take their experiences and use them in their performance. It’s beautiful to see, and I think the audience will feel that w ay too.”
Band and orchestra director Jamin Burton says, “This is one of my favorite musicals because it is great music and is a perfect blend of fairy tale and reality. It presents some of the realities of the turmoil in Russia from the 20th century, with just enough light heartedness to really be a show that has something for everyone. The music is challenging but it’s a great opportunity for students to develop. The costumes, lighting, music, sets, dance and acting all come together in a stunning way that is absolutely captivating.”
With its opulent settings, dazzling costumes, and a soaring score including the song favorites from the hit animated film, “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December”, Anastasia is the spectacular new musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be.
Anastasis runs February 24 – March 12 with shows at 7pm as well as Saturday matinees.
Tickets can be purchased at:
cdrama.Bootktix.com
Sources: Broadway.com, Porter Reynolds, Actor, Charly Rentz, Actress
