Yavapai College Transports Audiences with Anastasia
By Jon Holdsworth
The Yavapai College Performing Arts Department’s production of Anastasia, held at the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center, takes its audience from the waning twilight of Imperial Russia to the bustling streets of 1920s Paris. Directed by Dr. Craig J. Ralston and set to the sweeping music of Stephen Flaherty with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and book by Terrence McNally, this rendition of the Broadway musical brings the mystery of the Romanov legacy to Prescott, Arizona.
Anastasia follows the journey of Anya, a young woman with amnesia, who embarks on a quest to uncover her identity. Set in post-revolution Russia and the decadence of Paris, the plot is a tale of love, deception, and discovery. Aided by Dmitry, a conman, and Vlad, a former aristocrat, Anya sets out to prove she might be the lost Grand Duchess Anastasia. The adventure is complicated both by the doubt whether Anastasia is still alive and by a menacing Bolshevik officer, Gleb, eager to put a stop to these rumors.
Both the set and lighting design are an imaginative blend of practicality and creativity. Digital backdrops from Jason King seamlessly transition the grand Romanov palace to the gritty streets of Leningrad to the blossoming beauty of Paris. These types of projections, a first for YC’s Performing Arts Department, genuinely enhance the tangible set elements like the rotating arched windows that double as palace interiors and urban exteriors. The train sequence, a standout set piece, sees a moving digital countryside combined with a large, mobile platform that convincingly simulates the trio’s train journey as they evacuate Russia.
Ralston and Erin Bailey Smith’s costume designs are as vibrant and varied as the settings. The Romanovs’ shimmering white ensembles in the prologue, the somber uniforms of the Bolsheviks, and the ensemble's consistently fresh and detailed outfits—whether portraying impoverished Russians or Parisian royalty—all stand out as high quality and intentionally designed.
The cast deliver compelling performances that capture the heart of the story. Callie Voorhies as Anya portrays the transformation from a lost soul to a self-assured woman with grace. Her performance in songs like “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December” moves the audience as they mourn her traumatic history.
Ellie Schaible as Dmitry balances his character’s guarded cynicism with a growing openness that culminates in his love for Anya. His chemistry with Voorhies, particularly in their duets, has fans eager to see these young characters choose love over their plan that would see Anya elevate to a royal status and leave Dmitry behind.
Andre G. Sylvester as Vlad is a crowd favorite, infusing the role with humor and wit. His scenes with April Manchester-Miller’s Lily Malevsky-Malevitch are delightful, their timing and rapport provides a satisfying lightness amidst the conflict.
Daniel Shepherd's Gleb gives a nuanced performance that reveals his character's inner conflict over his pursuit of Anya. As Dowager Empress, Juliet Lapointe’s portrayal of a grandmother burdened by grief and hope centers the emotional weight of the production. The overall ensemble adds plenty of energy and cohesion, although occasional microphone issues and diction lapses slightly mar their otherwise solid contributions.
Ralston’s direction strikes the balance between spectacle and intimacy, ensuring that the emotional core remains intact amid the grand visuals. Choreographers Pamela Cannedy and Stepan Oleksyn craft routines that range from the classic and elegant Romanov celebration to the complex and vibrant “Paris Holds the Key (to Your Heart)” and “Land of Yesterday.” The Swan Lake ballet within the show is a captivating standout, featuring Grace-Anne Olsen as Princess Odette, Samuel Dettman as Prince Siegfried, and Daniel Markey as Baron Von Rothbart.
From Anastasia’s stunning design to its heartfelt performances, this interpretation leaves a lasting impression and is a journey worth taking for those who want to support local theatre.
The show runs through November – after its opening weekend, the remaining show dates are Nov 15th at 7pm, Nov 16th and 3pm and 7pm, and Nov 17th at 3pm. Tickets available at
YCPAC.com
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