Anastasia
at Heritage High School

Reviewed on April 29, 2022

Gwen Ihde
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

"There's a rumor in Saint Petersburg!" Russian citizens buzz in hushed tones about Princess Anastasia and her fabled escape from death. This rumor comes to life in Heritage High School's production of the musical Anastasia, telling a fairy tale version of the lost history.

Anastasia, with music by Lynn Ahrens and book by Terrence McNally, includes 6 songs from the original animated 1997 movie. However, this fresh take on the historical mystery of Princess Anastasia brings nuance and complexity. The story follows Anya, a young streetsweeper who suffers from memory loss. When rumors begin to spread that Princess Anastasia survived the assassination of the Romanov family, Anya is discovered by two con men and enlisted to imitate the princess. As Anya becomes more aware of her past, it is revealed that Anya may be the missing princess after all.

In the namesake role, Emma Healy graced the stage with sincerity and hopefulness while being able to portray Anya's troubled past as she shook with fear. The comedic duo of Jonathan Kirkpatrick as the confident Dmitry and Beau Dolan as the pompous Vlad Popov stood out in their song "Learn to Do It," as they bantered and humorously instructed Anya. While all characters showed depth, Tyler Kaplan as Gleb Vaganov was particularly emotive when he exhibited his inner conflict with his stiff manner and emotional outbursts. Another stand-out performance was Mia Sirinsky as Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch, who brought energy and fun with her lively tap dancing, powerful voice, and comedic gestures.

The cast as a whole created an accurate atmosphere for each scene. Beginning in Russia, ensemble members whispered and fought, both angry and scared. However, in Paris, they swapped their simple clothes for bright colors and sparkles (costumed by Gracie Cunningham, Jaz Camacho, Nina Magsi, and Eli Grivas). The stage was filled with excitement and flamboyance as the ensemble used kick lines, turns, and even flips. To add to the milieu, the Romanov family, in elegant white dresses and suits, hauntingly glided across the stage, spinning with blue glowing ghosts. Accompanied by an impressive 29-person orchestra, every dance number perfectly matched both the mood and time period of the show.

The moving set consisted of a grand marble wall and two revolving staircases (built by Atticus Gregory and team). Simple adjustments such as moving the staircases or changing the color of banners on the wall transformed the space. Every transition was timed perfectly, never disrupting the scene, thanks to Bree Nosrat and crew. Sometimes, entire set pieces would be moved on without the audience noticing. The lighting also helped facilitate storytelling alongside the set. As Anya remembered her family, the stage glowed with an eerie white-blue. The Russian officer Gleb was followed by striking red lights, intensifying his ominous solo "The Land of Yesterday".

With phenomenal acting, strong vocals, striking lighting, and excellent stage coordination, Heritage High School's Anastasia left the audience speechless, asking them: "Do you believe in the fairy tale of the surviving Romanov princess?"

Michael Hitchcock
Justice High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Imagine flowing gowns, a sparkling tiara that catches the light, soft music playing in the background.

Then, a bang! Red light floods your senses, and the famed Russian Royal Romanov family is taken away to be executed.

In Heritage High School's production of the musical Anastasia, Anya didn't have to imagine. That was her reality. This story followed the possibly-lost-and-found grand duchess as she traveled through Bolshevik Russia with con men Dmitry and Vlad to Paris to meet up with and convince her grandmother, the stony Dowager Empress, that Anya is the real princess.

A timeless classic that waltzes across our dreams, Anastasia has lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. Heritage's first musical person since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the theater into the icy yet heartwarming experience Anastasia the musical is.

The show's leading actress, Emma Healy, played Anya powerfully and was radiant on stage, much like the tiara she wore for the finale. Healy brought many emotional levels to Anya that added depth to the character. She was able to portray a hope-filled young girl when she first met conmen Vlad and Dmitry but was able to become a confident and strong woman when she faced the Russian officer, Gleb, as he pointed a gun at her head. Mia Sirinsky, who played Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch, was a triple threat. With her strongly supported belts, tap solos, and vulnerable acting, Sirinsky was able to make Lily a complex character who helped push the storyline forward. Some other actors of note were lead Dmitry (Jonathan Kirkpatrick) and supporting actors, Vlad (Beau Dolan) and Gleb (Tyler Kaplan.) All three excelled in acting, singing, and dancing.

From a technical standpoint, this show was a masterwork. The lighting, led by Minh Truong and crew Violett Greenough and Braden Bowman, was flawless. Attention to detail in this show was commendable; when the Romanovs lined up to take a photograph, the onstage lights flickered much like the bulb of a camera from the early 1900s. The set was used to create multiple spaces such as the Neva club or the Dowager Empress's foyer. Thanks to the stage crew, helmed by managers Josephine D'Arcy, Iris Small, and Bree Nosrat, the set changes were smooth.

Have you heard? There's a rumor in Saint Petersburg. For a wild ride of finding your true identity and self-worth, the directors of Anastasia at Heritage High School couldn't have picked a better show for their long-awaited return to musical theater.

Ruby Ahdoot
St. Stephens & St. Agnes School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Heritage High School's production of the musical Anastasia, like its second act location, Paris, "holds the key (to your heart)." This weekend, the audience was transported from the doomed Russian Empire to a whimsical Paris by a charismatic cast and creative technical elements.

The music and lyrics of Anastasia were written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, while the book is by Terrence McNally. The musical, adapted from the 1997 animated movie, Anastasia, follows the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, who is rumored to have escaped her family's execution. The show had its debut on Broadway in April 2017 and has since expanded worldwide.

At Heritage High School, the title role, Anastasia, was played by Emma Healy. Healy made clear character choices and added new vocal riffs, which brought individuality to her role. Her convincing chemistry with the male lead, Dmitry, was highlighted during their duet, "In a Crowd of Thousands." Dmitry, played by Jonathan Kirkpatrick, effectively portrayed his charming, easy-going character with strong, clear vocals. His posture conveyed the character's relaxed mood as he was often seen leaning on various set-pieces. Beau Dolan, who portrayed Dmitry's fellow conman, Vlad Popov, constantly reflected the playfulness of his role. His relationship with Dmitry made it seem as if they had known each other for a long time. Another stand-out performance was from Tyler Kaplan, who played Gleb Vaganov. Gleb had clear, powerful vocals, which were emphasized in his performance of "Still." He also created one of the most suspenseful moments of the show when he held a gun to Anastasia. The whole audience held their breath as they waited for Gleb and Anya's next moves.

The ensemble was strong and energetic. They were able to move efficiently together, which was featured when they moved the "train" to Paris. Each ensemble member had a role in this process and the result was seamless motion. Many technical aspects were used to enhance the story-telling elements, including the bluish-gray lighting during Anastasia's memories. This lighting also helped to create a depth of field on stage. The use of set, such as the change of banners when changing locations, helped to move the story along. The choreography during the ballet number was delicate and impressive, and was particularly impressive during "Land of Yesterday," a song performed by supporting player Countess Lily and the ensemble. Countess Lily, played by Mia Sirinsky, shone with powerful vocals and strong dancing skills.

With "one step at a time," Heritage High School was able to perform a successful, energetic, dramatic, and exciting musical show. Bravo!

Cecil Turner - Veselka
Loudoun Valley High School
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Now

Warm, flickering lanterns over a palace wall at dusk, cameras flashing through glittering crystal, and the fiery swishing of fabric painted a dazzling world for Heritage High School's musical Anastasia to inhabit.

From the dull, ruby glow of Communist Russia, cold winds sweep Anya, a bold woman with a forgotten past, into the path of con-men Dmitry and Vlad. They dress her as the fabled doomed Anastasia Romanov and travel to the opulence of Paris for a reward from the grieving princess's dowager grandmother. Stalked by unbalanced communist Gleb, Anya finds what her heart was missing – and truly needed. The timeless musical, adapted from the animated 1997 movie, glowed with life at Heritage High School, whose dedicated cast created a radiant story.

The production's heartbeat was fierce talent. Shy, emotional Emma Healy and playful, understated Johnathan Kirkpatrick as Anya and Dmitry filled the stage around them with a bright, genuine love. Healy's character was driven by discoveries within her memory, each vividly portrayed. Showing gentle versatility, her strongest postures faded into softer sentimentality with a natural pace, making her relationship with other characters compelling and vibrant.

Her counterpart, Kirkpatrick's Dmitry, was defined by his changeable moods and movements. As he leaned against his companions, a bed frame or a doorway, his dry, witty humor was as tangible as his earnest revelations or biting insults. His flashy charisma was as magnetic as Healy's quiet charm, and they drove the show as their relationship turned a stiff, halting waltz into a smooth and fluid one.

Kirkpatrick's lilting voice rang coppery and smooth, and Healy's shimmered delicately in the silver air. They personalized their solos with embellishments and riffs that gave passion to artful performances. Equal to their brilliance, however, was the stunning Mia Sirinsky as Lily, the Dowager's fallen countess handmaiden. Sirinsky's forceful, passionate voice was pure gold, her growls and whistles keeping step with the swirl of her skirt as her dancing dominated the Neva Club. Sirinsky bantered with Beau Dolan's Vlad Popov in the over-familiar tambor of former lovers, their teasing countering the leads' clumsy sincerity artfully.

Casting a shadow over the show's romanticism, the threatening presence of Tyler Kaplan's Gleb cut with steel through the dulcet performances with a strong tenor that he weaponized to reveal his ruptured past.

Lighting designs by Minh Truong used soldier-like precision to give Gleb a chilling stature within the story. His silhouette was sharp and crisp in contrast with Dmitry, and his twisted love for Anya created that same foil.

Details made Heritage's production shine. The twenty-nine piece orchestra mastered not only the Broadway composition but a portion of Swan Lake required for the script, beautifully accented by three emotive ballet dancers. Diegetic lighting from lanterns atop the set walls created natural movement and the hand-sewn dresses were period-accurate and whimsical.

Light is a strong theme in Anastasia, and Heritage High School's performance was spilling over with it. The princess herself may be lost to history, but this musical production's luminosity was not.

Sam Tampubolon
St. Stephens & St. Agnes School
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Times-Mirror

Ballerinas, dancing ghosts, flappers, the Russian military-- just some things you'll remember after watching Heritage High School's Anastasia. Towing the delicate balance of historical drama and melancholy romance, the show is challenging in every aspect of production. With intricate costuming, demanding vocals, intense choreography, and the illusion of a moving train, it requires a cast and crew willing to rise to the demands and Heritage High School did just that.

Based on the story of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, Anastasia was a 1997 animated movie by 20th Century Fox that received acclaim for its beautiful score and touching story. The movie was adapted for the stage with music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and book by Terrence McNally, and opened on Broadway in 2017. It follows the story of Anya, a lowly street sweeper, on her journey to self-discovery when two con-men, Dmitry and Vlad, decide that she would be the perfect candidate to present to the Dowager Empress as her long lost granddaughter Anastasia. However, as their trek from Russia to Paris continues, through reflecting on blurry memories, Anya begins to remember who she really is. Meanwhile, a Boshevik general named Gleb Vaganov is determined to eliminate the last living Romanov.

Being the titular role, Princess Anastasia serves as the emotional center and Emma Healy did a breathtaking job. Portraying Anya with tenderness and care, she connected deeply with any character she took the stage with, delighting with her elegant soft vocals. She did a wonderful job of not only highlighting Anya's kindness, but also her more lighthearted comedic moments. Her chemistry with Jonathon Kirkpatrick, who played Dmitry, was incredibly natural and whenever the two interacted, you couldn't help but smile seeing the budding romance between them. Their performance was a masterclass in partner acting and was at a caliber seldom seen in high school theater.

Kirkpatrick's version of Dmitry was playful and charming, almost swoon-worthy. It is worth mentioning that Kirkpatrick was recovering from an illness and was freshly off a five day vocal rest, making his stellar vocals more impressive.

Beau Dolan's performance as Vlad Popov was incredibly entertaining. He captured the character's wit and lovesickness in a genuinely funny way. Other strong performances include Tyler Kaplan, who played Gleb Vaganov, with a soaring tenor voice that really shone in "Still" and Gracie Cunningham, who skillfully portrayed loving and frustrated sides of the Dowager Empress. A truly standout performance was that of Mia Sirinsky in the role of Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch. Not only was her comedic timing on par with seasoned professionals, but she also blew the audience away with her powerful vocals and tap dancing abilities. Watching her light up the stage was truly a sight to behold.

It is clear to see why Heritage High School's production of Anastasia had the audience in a cheerful standing ovation-- the depth that each and every actor was able to connect with both the audience and each other was apparent from every seat.

Zoe Benton
Tuscarora High School
Submitted for publication to Blue Ridge Leader

A lost princess or the biggest con in history? Heritage High School's Anastasia answers this question in a thrilling performance with masterful vocals. From the land of yesterday to Paris, this performance took the audience on a journey to the past.

Years after the Tsar and his family were killed in Russia's Bolshevik Revolution, rumors began to spread about the princess Anastasia surviving the tragedy. Conmen Dimitry and Vlad seek a way out of this new communist Russia, and decide to try and pass a girl off as the real princess in Paris. They meet Anya, a girl whose childhood memories were blocked by amnesia, and convince her she is Anastasia. The trio attempts to escape Russia, but officer Gleb Vaganov is determined to quash this Romanov rumor. But could Anya truly be Anastasia?

Emma Healy performs wonderfully as Anastasia with powerful, emotional scenes and a hauntingly beautiful voice. She captivates the scenes with a refined liveliness. Dimitry, played by Jonathan Kirkpatrick is an incredible vocalist as well as actor. His physicality and humor created the charming character Anastasia learns to love. The Dowager Empress (Gracie Cunningham) sang a powerful alto piece with stunning emotion, and especially shines when around her granddaughter. Tyler Kaplan plays the Russian officer Gleb Vaganov with an intensity that captivated the audience into complete silence. His fire as he sang of his internal conflict burned bright.

Countess Lily, played by Mia Sirinsky, was not only a phenomenal singer, but also had perfect comedic timing. She was able to switch from a grand jazz number with several complex vocal techniques to a playful romantic scene at the drop of a hat, and astonished on both accounts. Beau Dolan as Vlad Popov was witty and charming, with a fun and energetic love for Paris.

The Neva Clubgoers were astounding in "The Land of Yesterday". Every dancer hit their steps with confidence and kept character. This ensemble took on everything from jazz to tap in one number, and thrilled the audience. The choreography of this number (by Gracie Cunningham, Mina Oemler, and Kayla Crockett) was high quality, and it was impressive to watch altogether.

The gray marbling of the set allowed it to reflect both pristine palaces and worn walls with ease. The entire set-- made by Atticus Gregory, Drew Crawford, Minh Truong, Zoe Korff, and their team-- was magnificent without distracting from the show. The simple switch of banners from red to blue to purple was a great transition between the tones of the scenes, with the banner color and thematic lighting conveying the story. Gracie Cunningham, Jaz Camacho, Eli Grivas, and Nina Magsi chose some perfect costume pieces for this performance. Having the Russian folk wear all neutral colors, then expanding the palette once they were in Paris was clever, but having flapper dresses in the club made this show even more spectacular.

Heritage High School's Anastasia was a fantastic production with some astounding vocal performances. It was a great choice for the school's first spring musical performance in two years, and it is safe to say that performance has been a success.