The Connection

With intricate costumes and props, meticulous attention to the details of characterization, and a stage management team that knows the show inside and out, you'll be "Russian" to Paul VI Catholic High School to see their brilliant take on the classic "Anastasia" that enthralled the audience and lit up the stage.

In the time of World War I and the Russian Revolution (1917), and at the end of the reign of Tsar Nicholas Romanov, Vladimir Lenin ordered that Nicholas, his entire family, and four servants who remained loyal to them be executed; however, rumors were whispered throughout Russia that the youngest princess, Anastasia, had survived, and remained alive.

The princess's grandmother, Dowager Empress, offers a prize of 10 million pounds for her granddaughter, should the rumor be true. Seeing an opportunity, the shamed Prince Bounine and his two comrades concoct a ruse to train and pass off an amnesiac as the princess. As the girl who goes by Anna begins to have strange memories that align with Anastasia's life, the question arises: is this girl the real princess Anastasia?

With emotional range and depth beyond her years and a sneaky character development that kept the audience engaged, actress Gloria Whitfield portrayed a brilliant Anna... or, Anastasia, rather? Whitfield would not reveal the answer, stealthily adjusting her character from collapsing to the floor after an emotional vision of Anastasia's life, to seeing a past love interest of her other persona, Anna. This self-conflict she faces is the only obvious hint she would provide.

Although secretive, Whitfield had a difficult time convincing the character of Mackenzie Bacarella, (Dowager Empress), that she was, indeed, her "Grandmama." Bacarella's first entrance rendered the theater silent. Her authoritative posture and cynical grief were slow to concede, but when they did, the overwhelming emotion both actresses displayed in their reunion was an unforgettable moment.

Providing much needed comic relief, Katey Sue Ransom (Baroness Livenbaum), stole the show with her small role, making the audience roar with laughter as she, an elderly lady, fawned to the sophisticated Empress about the good looks of any young man who passed her. Anything she did produced a reaction, even just a sly glance she threw outwards before exiting.

Driving deep and thoughtful prompts such as what Anna wants versus what she believes, Danny Mercuri, (Dr. Serensky), never allowed the audience – or Anna – to be completely settled on the idea that she was, in fact, Anastasia. The deep and obvious work he had done with characterization and his spectacular use of silence allowed for a moment of thought.

The costume designers (Emma Hitchcock and Grace Lyons), however, were the real star of the show. Ranging from dark, billowing skirts, to high leather boots, to stunning sequined gowns, half of the story was told in fabric.

The lighting team, lead by Nick Greene, indicated the passing of time obviously, helpful to the audience, lost in thought. It was noted that, in a show with many different entrances and exits, the stage management team (Erin Madden and Kate Turner) knew their show, and did their part perfectly, as no cues were seemingly missed.

With talented young actors, techies, fashion designers, and makeup artists, this production of "Anastasia" by Paul VI Catholic High School, along with their show topic, is one for the history books.