By Carmen Lee-Bennett
What is Anastasia about?
The musical Anastasia is an adaptation of the 1997 animated film. Being set in Russia and Paris, this musical is all about the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, a princess who possibly escaped the execution of her family during the Russian Revolution. During the musical, the audience is taken on a whirlwind of an adventure, deciding if the long-lost princess is actually alive or if her grandmother’s hope of finding her favorite grandchild is lost, while also being introduced to hilarious, energetic side characters, such as Countess Lily and Dmitry.
When is the musical?
This year’s school musical will be performed four times:
Thursday, March 9- 7pm
Friday, March 10- 7pm
Saturday, March 11- 2pm & 7pm
East’s school musical is a perfect way to spend time with family and friends while supporting the Williamsville East High School Drama Club!
Who are the characters and cast?
This year, an incredible cast is performing in the musical. A great way to see the whole cast is to come and watch the show, but for a sneak peak, here are some of the characters and the amazing people who will be bringing this musical to life:
Dmitry– Ayden Weinstein
Anya– Sammi O’Connor
Vlad Popov– Miles Seifert
Little Anastasia– Ella Hinklin
The Dowager Empress– Parker Levin
Gleb– Christian Ryszka
Count Ipolitov/Gorlinsky– Luca Ballarin
Countess Lily– Phoebe Auquier
Who are the directors?
Jenny McCabe is the talented Director for this year’s musical. She has been a part of East’s musicals in the past and we are delighted to have her again! From running blocking rehearsals to full shows, Jenny has been a huge part of Anastasia at East. Without Jenny’s fantastic tactics and acting references, the musical wouldn’t be the same!
Mrs. Reilly is a teacher we all know and love! Being a part of East’s musicals for years, our amazing chorus teacher is the Choral Director for her last time in an East Musical. She is the one who created the heart-rending vocals and songs that you will hear in our performance. Mrs. Reilly taught us all of the many songs in this musical and the students will be forever grateful for what she has done, not only for her last musical at East, but for all her past years of being a
Choral Director.
Mrs. LoVullo is another incredible teacher at East who has been the choreographer for East’s musicals for years! She created the magic that you will see as you watch ballroom dancers, ballet dancers, and the villagers of St. Petersburg dance their hearts out in this year’s performance. The Dance Captains (Carmen Lee-Bennett and Katelyn Lee), Featured Dancers, and the rest of the cast are so thankful to have Mrs. LoVullo as our choreographer, and we hope to have the honor of you being our choreographer for years to come!
Alongside Jenny McCabe, Mrs. Reilly, and Mrs. LoVullo will be the drama club officers:
President: Ayden Weinstein
Co-Vice Presidents/Student Directors of the Fall Play and Musical: Sammi O’Connor and Sophia Cuva
Secretary: Ava Sadkin
Treasurer: Emily Haile
If you have any questions about the musical this year, these are the best people to talk to!
