The Geneva School of Boerne Fine Arts Department recently finished its production of Anastasia. This musical is based on the beloved animated movie from 20th Century Fox. Anastasia explores one determined girl’s journey to find home, love and family as she discovers who she was and embraces who she is meant to be.
“The script and music for Anastasia were so well crafted that it made this production a delight for our cast and crew to produce. Much like the music box which goes round full circle, Anastasia is bookended by many beautiful themes of redemption like Anya’s loss of family and identity which are both regained at the show’s conclusion. The students performed the story and music so well, it made each of us wish the song could go on indefinitely,” the show’s Music Director Ben Vis said.
Geneva’s production included more than 80 students, faculty and parents including cast, crew and a live orchestra who worked together on this musical. Tryouts were held for students at the beginning of the school year and rehearsals began in early September. The cast included high school students who portrayed a delightful variety of characters.
Anya was played by Kate Travis (junior) and Sam Siller (sophomore) played Dimitry. Other key roles were performed by senior Mari-Fer Ballí (Countess Lily), junior Will Muck (Vlad Popov), junior Keaton Shindler (Gleb), senior Hailey Hubenak (Dowager Empress Marie), senior Juliana Flores (Tsarina), and junior Esan Fikes (Tsar).
The production was led by Ben Vis with a leadership team including Character Development Autumn Jones, Technical Director Nancy Poffenbarger, Audio Engineer Luis Arizpe, Vocal Coach/Ticketing Suzie Rocha, Fine Arts Director Gradi Evans, Orchestra Pit Organizer Sarah Gachupin, Choreographer Kirsten Burkholder, Student Director Alexandria Bussey, Student Stage Manager Ally Turgon and Student Concertmaster Kayla Strizu.