‘ANASTASIA’ hits the stage beginning Thursday

T-Bird Community Arts will be performing “ANASTASIA” this weekend. Performances will be held July 31, August 1-2 at 7 p.m. and August 3 at 2 p.m. at the GFW Middle/High School Auditoruim in Winthrop.
“Inspired by the beloved films, ‘ANASTASIA’ transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family,” said Director Joe Vos.
The musical was chosen by popular consensus by the TCA Board of Directors.
Work on the production began three months ago with auditions on May 4 and May 6 with the first reheasals beginning June 2. The two-hour practices were held Monday-Thursday during June with Friday three-hour practices being added in July.
“This dazzling show will transport you from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris. Set in the 1920’s, we watch as a brave young woman sets out to discover her past and the mysteries it holds deep in her heart. Anya embarks on an adventure where she will finally discover who she is and defining who she was meant to be. I hope this inspiring story reminds the audience of what truly is important: home, love and family,” Vos said.
Technical changes from the Broadway production have been taken head on by the crew.
“The Broadway production of this play is different than most in the fact that it utilizes back-projected images onto a screen for the majority of the set. I made the decision early on that I did not want this look as it gives the feel of watching a movie instead of a theatrical production. So all the ‘screen’ changes that were made for projection, we made into set piece changes, which has been a challenge, but has pulled a great deal of creativity and innovation from my set crew. Along with the set, the technical aspects including the lighting and sound were typically done to coincide with the projections. With the change in the style of set, came a change in the style of lighting and sound. I have truly challenged the group to make this production one of the largest, most involved set and tech productions the TCA has done,” added Vos.
There is a cast of 38, a crew of eight and a production team of 10, for a total of 56 that work to put this production on. This does not include additional family members who volunteer to help out. There is a large range of people, old to young. Not only is there talent coming from Fairfax, Gibbon and Winthrop, but also the surrounding area of New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Brownton and others.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
“ANASTASIA” is presented through an exclusive arrangement with Concord Theatricals Corp. with a performance license thorugh ROCS Licensing. It is based on the book by Terence McNally with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.
Said Vos, “I am truly excited about this production. I have an amazing cast and crew that is truly dedicated to this performance and the arts. Directing is much easier when you surround yourself with already talented people. Not just the cast, but the production crew as well. Everyone’s willingness to put in extra time, even after a long day of real life, is undoubtedly awe-inspiring. I am proud to be directing this production and can’t wait to share it with our community.”