Review - ANASTASIA - Yavapai College Performing Arts at Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center

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

Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center at Yavapai College's 2024/2025 Season!

ANASTASIA

Nov 8-10 and 15-17

Tickets from $35 | Youth $10

Presented by the Yavapai College Performing Arts Department and directed by Dr. Craig J. Ralston. From the Tony Award®-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling new musical transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, 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. 

 

Fri, Nov 8 | 7pm

Sat, Nov 9 | 3pm PRESHOW PRINCESS TEA AVAILABLE!

Sun, Nov 10 | 3pm

Fri, Nov 15 | 7pm

Sat, Nov 16 | 3pm PRESHOW PRINCESS TEA AVAILABLE!

Sun, Nov 17 | 3pm

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Apr 4-6 and 11-13

Tickets from $35 | Youth $10

Experience the enduring charm of Bock & Harnick’s cherished musical masterpiece, as staged by Yavapai College Performing Arts and directed by Dr. Craig J. Ralston. Delve into the poignant tale of tradition, family, and resilience in a Russian Jewish village, where humor, heart, and unforgettable melodies intertwine to captivate audiences of all ages.

Fri, Apr 4 | 7pm  POST SHOW MEET THE CAST & BACKSTAGE TOUR AVAILABLE!

Sat, Apr 5 | 3pm

Sun, Apr 6 | 3pm

Fri, Apr 11 | 7pm

Sat, Apr 12 | 3pm

Sun, Apr 13 | 3pm

CLICK HERE to purchase tickets

NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND

Thurs, Aug 15 | 7pm

Tickets from $39

The three-time Grammy-winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has carved a six-decade legacy with classics like “Mr. Bojangles,” “Fishin’ in the Dark,” “Long Hard Road” and “An American Dream.” Celebrate their farewell tour, a tribute to the indelible mark they’ve made on country-rock history. 

PRESHOW '70s COSTUME CONTEST WITH PRIZE - 6:45PM JUDGING!

MELISSA ETHERIDGE

I'm Not Broken Tour

Fri, Oct 11 | 7pm

Tickets from $59, with 2 VIP packages available

Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Grammy-winning rock star Melissa Etheridge has lit up airwaves and arenas across the world for more than three decades, with instant classics like “I’m the Only One,” “Come to My Window” and “I Want to Come Over.” 

DIONNE WARWICK

Fri, Nov 22 | 7pm

Tickets from $59

Experience the timeless elegance and unmatched vocal prowess of the great Dionne Warwick – one of the most celebrated soul singers of all time, with decades of hits including “Walk On By” and “That's What Friends Are For.” 

TAYLOR HICKS

Fri, Feb 7 | 7pm

Tickets from $39

Soul Patrol alert! The fifth-season winner of American Idol combines influences from blues, country, soul and rock with onstage charisma and a down-home approachability that continues to grow his legion of fans worldwide. 

PRESHOW HARMONICA CONTEST WITH PRIZE - 6:30PM JUDGING!

LIZ STORY

Sat, Mar 1 | 7pm

Tickets from $39

With deeply felt, jazz-tinged piano compositions that made her one of Windham Hill’s most beloved acts, Liz Story celebrates her forty-plus year career with a performance that honors her enduring commitment to her artistic calling.

VICKI LAWRENCE AND MAMA: A TWO-WOMAN SHOW

Fri, Apr 25 | 7pm

Tickets from $49

Mama knows best! Emmy-winning comedienne and beloved TV personality, Vicki Lawrence created “Thelma Harper” on the legendary The Carol Burnett Show. The endearing character headlined the spinoff hit, Mama’s Family. Through stand-up comedy, music, and observations about real life, Ms. Lawrence will appear first, followed by Mama…when the whole family can expect the unexpected. 

POST SHOW MEET & GREET AVAILABLE!

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets

Your first look at SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center at Yavapai College

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through November 12

photos by Blushing Cactus Photography

Tickets now on sale for JUDY COLLINS, RHYTHM OF THE DANCE, BRUCE COCKBORN and other shows at the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center at Yavapai College

An Evening with Judy Collins

Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center

Fri, Sep 1 - 7:00 PM

An iconic performer, Grammy-winning folk artist, and the voice of a generation, Judy Collins sings an evening of folk, pop, and American standards – including legendary hits like “Send in the Clowns” and “Both Sides Now.”

https://ycpac.com/online/article/judycollins

Rhythm of the Dance

Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center

Fri, Nov 17 - 7:00 PM and Sat, Nov 18 - 3:00 PM

The epic tale of the Irish Celts – as only the Irish can tell it! Rhythm of the Dance brings Irish music, legions of step dancers and ancient traditions together to tell a story a thousand years old.

https://ycpac.com/online/article/rhythmofthedance

Handel's Messiah

Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center

Sat, Dec 2 - 7:00 PM and Sun, Dec 3 - 3:00 PM

Be a part of a joyous musical tradition! Yavapai College’s combined choirs join their voices with a slate of special guest soloists on Handel’s rousing score. Ring in your holiday season with a memorable night of song.

https://ycpac.com/online/article/handelsmessiah

The Nutcracker featuring Ballet Victoria

Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center

Sat, Dec 16 - 7:00 PM and Sun, Dec 17 - 3:00 PM

The Nutcracker featuring Ballet Victoria is a 21st century family tradition with everything you expect from a holiday production: an original Christmas tale danced to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, lively and imaginative choreography, hilarious pantomime, beautiful costumes, magic, and a few surprises to delight the whole family. Alongside the professional company dancers, over 30 local young ballet students bring the story to life and fill everyone’s heart with Christmas cheer.

https://ycpac.com/online/article/bvnutcracker

The Peking Acrobats

Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center

Sat, Feb 3 - 3:00 PM

The pageantry, agility and hold-your-breath excitement of Chinese acrobatics comes to Arizona in this live performance. Enjoy this ancient art form, presented by a troupe that has performed everywhere from ABC’s Wide World of Sports to Ocean’s Eleven.

https://ycpac.com/online/article/pekingacrobats

Bruce Cockburn

Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center

Sat, Apr 27 - 7:00 PM

Dubbed "The Canadian Bob Dylan," Bruce Cockburn has 40 albums and nearly 400 songs to his name in over 50 years of music-making. He embraces folk, jazz, rock, and world as he sings heartfelt stories of personal exploration, politics, and spirituality. A twelve-time Juno Award winner, Bruce is one of Canada’s most revered, treasured, and innovative artists.

https://ycpac.com/online/article/brucecockburn

Colin & Brad: Scared Scriptless

Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center

Sat, May 25 - 7:00 PM

The best duo in improv!  Armed with only their wits, Whose Line Is It Anyway? stars Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood are taking to the live stage and they’re…Scared Scriptless. Prepare to laugh yourself senseless as these improv comedy masterminds must make up original scenes, songs and more from whatever you, the fans, suggest! 

https://ycpac.com/online/article/colinandbrad

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN - Yavapai College Performing Arts - November 2-12, 2023

Say “Good Morning” to the captivating showbiz tale that gave us “Make ‘em Laugh,” the title song, and so much more. Yavapai College's Performing Arts Department sings and dances up a storm as starry-eyed actors discover their voices – and romance – at the dawn of talking pictures.   

Screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green; Songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed

Based on the classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Inc. Music published by EMI; all rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, LLC.

 

Nov 2-5 & 9-12 (8 performances)

Tickets: $55 | $45 | $35 | Youth $10

Need ADA seating? Please call the Ticket Office at (928) 776-2000 for assistance.

>>SPLASH ZONE: Those seated in the first 3 rows have the potential of getting splashed! Covers will be provided.<<

Thurs, Nov 2 | 7pm

Fri, Nov 3 | 7pm

Sat, Nov 4 | 3pm

Sun, Nov 5 | 3pm

Thurs, Nov 9 | 7pm

Fri, Nov 10 | 7pm

Sat, Nov 11 | 7pm

Sun, Nov 12 | 3pm

Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center

Yavapai College

1100 East Sheldon Street

Prescott, Arizona 86301

(Original Movie Choreography by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen.) Produced by arrangement with Maurice Rosenfield, Lois R. Rosenfield and Cindy Pritzker, Inc. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase tickets

Your first look at JANE EYRE at the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center at Yavapai College

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which runs through April 23

photos by Blushing Cactus Photography