At W.T. Clarke High School, ‘Anastasia’ is a smashing musical success

From Feb. 8 to 10, W.T. Clarke High School’s Theatre Arts Society and Music Department performed “Anastasia: The Musical” to full and electric audiences.

The story, based on the 1997 animated film of the same name, follows Anya as she discovers she is the long-lost princess of the last reigning family of Imperial Russia. With roughly 100 students participating in either cast, pit orchestra or tech squad, the shows were a huge success. 

“I am extremely proud of all our shows,” said Gregory Krajci, who directed and choreographed the production. “All of the students were so committed to the process from the start and their hard work paid off! They performed with a level that is found on professional stages.”

“Anastasia” starred junior Georgina Petkanas as Anya and freshman Cooper DaSilva as Dimitri, as well as senior Natalie Waters, and sophomores William Benowitz, Kaiden Mayers and Elizabeth Paulino in principal character roles. The production staff included faculty members Krajci as the director and choreographer; Molly Tittler-Ingoglia as instrumental music director; Kaitlin Melker as the vocal music director; Neil Walowitz and Courtney Ruvolo as the tech squad advisers; and Omar Rivera, Jeannene Arcuri and Marlena Dentrone as set and prop construction. The students also worked and collaborated with award-winning costume designer Chakira-Iliana Doherty and Bruce Hahlbohm from Sensory Sound & Lighting.

It is the desire and goal of the W.T. Clarke High School Theatre Arts Society for the community to make their production a part of their annual winter traditions.