By CARRIE NEAL
A Seat on the Aisle
Jewels, brocades, royalty, and waltzes. Mystery, intrigue, and a case of mistaken identity … or is it? Rarely has a story seemed more ideally suited for musical theatre adaptation than that of Anastasia Romanov, and it is a story Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre is beautifully equipped to tell.
For those unfamiliar with this dark period of Russian history, Tsar Nicholas, Tsarina Alexandra, and their five children were brutally murdered by Bolsheviks in July of 1918. For almost 90 years, many believed that Anastasia, the youngest daughter, somehow escaped and survived. In this scenario, would she have had any way of knowing who she was, and how would she have attempted to find out? Anastasia’s voyage of self-discovery takes the audience on an enthralling personal quest.
From the moment the overture begins (with the orchestra under the adept leadership of Matthew Konrad Tippel), we’re enfolded in a fairytale world of enchantment by this flawless Faberge egg of a show. Everything is picture perfect: stunning projections overseen by Michael J. Lasley, lighting and scenic design expertly executed by Ryan Koharchik, dazzling hair and wig design by Andrew Elliot, and gorgeous costumes built by designer Adrienne Conces and her talented support staff.
Troy Bridges as Dmitry and Isabella Agresta as Anya/Anastasia. (Photo by Zach Rosing)
The versatile cast is stellar across the board, not a weak link among them and perfectly cast by director Anne Beck. While something glowing could be said about every single ensemble member, the standout of the evening was Matthew Sumpter’s gorgeous a cappella solo in “Stay, I Pray You.” The haunting song brought chills and was strongly evocative of “Anatevka” from Fiddler on the Roof.
Each lead in this excellent production is truly remarkable. All have golden voices and are utterly believable as the characters they portray. Newcomer Nathaniel Hein, a seasoned opera singer, dazzles with his vocals and manages to make the villain Gleb likeable. Steve Kruze and Nina Stilabower delight as former lovers Countess Lily and Vlad Popov, who reconnect later in life with instantaneous and hilarious sparks. As the seasoned heart and soul of the show, Jill O’Malia as the Dowager Empress is both regal and heartbreaking. As the male lead, Troy Bridges is a perfect Dmitry, at turns puckish and serious with soaring vocals.
(From left) Nina Stilabower as Countess Lily, Jill O’Malia as Empress Maria, and Steve Kruze as Vlad Popov. (Photo by Zach Rosing)
But of course the show really belongs to the title character, and there couldn’t be a more ideal Anya/Anastasia than Isabella Agresta. She has astonishing vocal control and transitions between belt and head voice with ease, but also flawlessly embodies the character at every stage of her journey, be it street sweeper, eager student, or newly reborn Grand Duchess. Her performance moved me to tears several times.
We who love theatre are constantly in search of that rare show which entertains and dazzles us at every turn, and that magic is happening at the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre through May 11. Director Anne Beck has truly outdone herself with this one, and tickets are available online at civictheatre.org. Don’t wait! This show could very likely be a sellout.
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