From opening to closing night, “Anastasia” packed the theater with students and adults alike. The musical united the cast and crew alike to tell the story of Anastasia, the Grand Duchess of Russia, who was rumored to be alive.
The plot follows Anya as she battles amnesia, uncovers the truth about her past, and discovers the meaning of found family. These themes resonated with both the performers and the audience who experienced the show.
“I think that all of us are all a family, it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, we all come together for theater,” said sophomore Eliza Horey, who played Anastasia.
The connection between the cast members and the stage crew is like no other.
‘’I get to connect with upperclassmen, and I get to know people from all grades, including freshmen or seniors,” said Horey.
“Anastasia” used the full extent of the actors’ emotional range.
“I have a scene where I yell, and I get to really get on my emotions,” said senior Violet Lempert, who played the Dowager Empress.
The actress’s dedication to her role and others on the show is what makes the play worth watching.
With nearly 90 students involved in the cast and crew, “Anastasia” became a true community effort. Even on days off, the teamwork and passion shown by everyone involved helped create a memorable production for the school.
‘I get to watch the whole show from the tech booth so I can see everything go down. That’s one of my favorite parts,” said junior Emerson Bennett, the sound head.
The backstage crew, while not directly being in the picture, is the reason the show can go seamlessly. They do everything from makeup to running set pieces across the stage.
“I do sound for everything that has a microphone that needs sound,” said Bennett.
The LHS production had costumes like the Dowager Empress’s dress for the second act, made by Melinda Smith, a volunteer for the Pacer Drama Club.
The next show is “Leaving Iowa,” which opens on Feb. 19.
