You knew this would be a different kind of musical the moment senior Constance Watkins opened her mouth.
She played Anastasia (Anya) with a perfect blend of strength, grace and vulnerability. The acting was good. The singing? Great.
The cast? Oh, my.
The Bowie Fine Arts presentation of Anastasia: The Musical managed to whisk audiences away on an emotional journey through 1920s Russia and Paris. The musical, which played to audiences on Oct.28 and 29 with two performances on Nov. 1, had just the right mix of romance, adventure, sadness, and even a dash of royal mystery.
At the heart of the production were three outstanding leads who absolutely “held down the fort.” Aside from Watkins, there was seniors Isaac Morales and Micah Price.
Morales, as Dmitry, was charming and quick-witted, perfectly balancing his street-smart confidence with a soft side that emerged as his complicated feelings for Anya deepened. Price, in the role of Vladimir, was a comedic delight and a loyal partner-in-scheme, keeping the pace lively and the laughter coming.
Together, the trio created a chemistry that was simply electric. Adding just the right amount of tension and complexity was Brandon Cole as Deputy Commissioner Gleb. Cole’s performance was superb—he played the antagonist with depth and nuance, managing to make Gleb both intimidating and sympathetic. By the end, his portrayal of the “bad guy with a heart” left the audience genuinely moved.
Credit also goes to Stage Manager Asia Austin with assistance from Abigail Carson. Both managed to successfully coordinate it all into one big show that stayed true to Theater Director Joy Trimble’s vision.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Anastasia follows Anya, an amnesiac orphan who bears a striking resemblance to the missing Grand Duchess Anastasi. Two con men—Dmitry and Vlad—plan to pass her off as the lost princess to claim a reward from the Dowager Empress. But what begins as a clever scheme soon turns into a heartfelt quest for truth, as Anya, Dmitry, and Vlad find themselves swept up in something far greater than they ever imagined.
In the end, Anastasia is a story of love, courage, and self-discovery.
