Prepare to step back into a time of elegance and rediscover the magic of “Anastasia.”
Verona Area Community Theater (VACT) will present “Anastasia” the musical for four performances only. Shows are set for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, along with 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, at the Badger Ridge Middle School Performing Arts Center.
According to a VACT press release, this critically-acclaimed production, based on the beloved film, whisks audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of 1920s Paris. The story follows Anya, a brave young woman with a clouded past, who sets out to discover the mystery of her identity. Aided by a charming conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat, Anya embarks on an epic adventure filled with romance, redemption and the enduring power of hope and the importance of finding and being true to yourself.
VACT is proud to welcome cast members from 15 different high schools in Dane County and surrounding areas, including the Verona Area High School, Belleville High School, DeForest Area High School, Dodgeville High School, Edgewood High School, Home Schooled, La Follette High School, Madison Country Day School, Madison West High School, Middleton High School, Mount Horeb High School, Oregon High School, Sun Prairie East High School, Vel Phillips Memorial High School and Waunakee High School.
“Anastasia” is directed by Emma Vogel, with music direction by Kelsey Klug and choreography by Kenzie Ford-Merucci. Sara Ward-Cassady is the producer, with set design by Dusty Smith and stage management by Maddie Koski.
“This musical is a tragedy, a romance, a family drama, a heist, a cat and mouse chase and a mystery all rolled into one compelling story, and I’m thrilled to be able to perform this ‘journey to the past’ on stage with our audiences,” Vogel said in the release. “It has been such a joy to put together this production with our cast of over 60 talented high school students from all around the Dane County area. The amount of work these teens and our staff of volunteers have put into this incredibly challenging and beautiful show has been amazing to see.”
The production will run approximately 2 1/2 hours with an intermission, according to the release. While this show is generally family friendly, there is the presence of a firearm and an offstage gunshot, along with some historical themes. Parents of younger children may wish to read about this musical further before deciding if it is appropriate.
Tickets cost $17 for adults or $14 for seniors (65 and older) and students. They are available online in advance or at the door.
To learn more and purchase tickets, visit vact.org.
