Cappies Review: 'Anastasia' At Bishop Ireton High School

By Sydney Pecore of Woodbridge Senior High School

On this journey to the past, the cast and crew of Bishop Ireton's production of Anastasia dazzled. Based on the 1997 film of the same name, Anastasia tells the story of Anya, a young woman living in Russia during the dawn of the Communist Party, who suffers from amnesia and crosses paths with Dmitry and Vlad, two conmen trying to pass off a young woman as the Grand Duchess Anastasia for a reward given by the Duchess's Nana. Anya is convinced by the two men to join them, and the trio journeys across Russia toward Paris. As they continue their adventure, Anya starts to remember things about her childhood that make them all realize she could actually be the lost Duchess.

The technical elements transported the audience back in time with stunning costuming, nuanced lighting, and cohesive sound design. Nothing sparkled brighter than the Tsarina's gown when Elina Viana walked on stage. It was so spectacular, the audience let out an audible gasp. Michelle Dorman, Claire Gibbons, Gabriela Pena, and Lila Sampilo's beautiful and historically accurate costuming was a highlight of the show. Another element that elevated the production was the lighting done by Wyatt Moffett, and Lauren Capistran. Throughout the show, there were several lighting motifs for different characters. When Gleb, the Russian soldier with a sordid past and dark connection to the Romanovs, appeared, red lighting would emerge to alert the audience of impending danger. This was contrasted with the soft blue that illuminated when the main trio of Anya, Dmitry, and Vlad took the stage. The final element that made this show soar was the sound design. The sound done by Eve Wisneski, Brendan Carreon and Alessandro Vera played a key role in making the story feel grounded. From the use of a winding sound effect for the iconic music box to the use of the train station alerts during "Stay I Pray You," the sound effects proved to be effectively designed to create ample ambiance. Throughout the course of the show, the audience was completely immersed in the world that was constructed onstage before them.

When it comes to a show of this magnitude, there must be many jaw-dropping performances. Each of the leads in Bishop Ireton's show engaged the audience. Sofia Cruz as Anya had a beautiful voice that was a blessing to the eardrums. Throughout the performance, Cruz led the audience on a journey with her storytelling as a humble and lost street sweeper to an independent and newly self-discovered Grand Duchess. Her transformation was palpable. Another performance that dazzled the senses was triple threat Melanie Becker as Lily. She had the audience hanging on to every single line that was delivered with a distinct attitude and exemplary comedic delivery. She was complimented on stage by Aidan Furey as Vlad, who also delivered a comical and heartfelt performance. His charisma kept the audience engaged every time he was on stage. Furey's chemistry with Becker's Lily was one of the highlights of the show.

Overall, Bishop Ireton delivered a heartfelt story about love, friendship and truth that left the audience with both aches in their stomachs from laughing and hearts filled with the joy of Anya growing into her identity.