Director Shannon Sobolow consults with cast member Riley Moore on costume selections as Abby Grazia, who plays the title character, looks on.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
SOUTHWICK — Southwick Regional School will perform “Anastastia” from March 14-16 at the school.
Director Shannon Sobolow said “Anastasia” was selected for this year’s production because “it offers a rich blend of historical intrigue, emotional depth, and stunning music. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of a pivotal time in history.”
Over 60 SRS students are involved in the cast and crew, as well as eight students from Powder Mill Middle School.
“Audiences can look forward to a visually stunning performance with breathtaking costumes, dynamic choreography, and an unforgettable score featuring songs like Once Upon a December and Journey to the Pas,” Sobolow said. “While the show takes creative liberties with history, it also provides glimpses into real historical events, from the fall of the Russian Empire to the political unrest of early 20th-century Europe.”
Producer Janet Grunwald said this production includes a large cast, something that excites her as the drama group continues to expand.
“It’s been so satisfying to see our Drama Club grow to such a large company of performers and stagehands for this year’s musical,” said Grunwald. “After having to cancel our 2020 spring show and being able to only create ‘Zoom Theater’ for a year after that, the club was definitely in rebuilding mode for a while. We are finally back to our usual numbers and then some. We have also incorporated a small group of students from Powder Mill for the first time. This has been a fabulous experience for them as an introduction to large theater productions and for our high school upperclassmen who are serving as mentors to them.”
Senior Abigail Grazia plays the lead role of Anya and said the show is filled with emotions.
“‘Anastasia’ is such a magical show in its dance and music, but especially in its story. It’s a heart-warming tale about a girl yearning to remember her past, while she continues her journey into her future,” said Grazia. “The show is full of hope, sadness, friendship, along with certain know themes of home, love and family. It has been such a dream to perform this show as one of my dream roles with this group, with some of my dearest friends and it is going to be fantastic. People should come see this show not only because of the lovely story and the lesson the show teaches us about hope — but also because us students in the SRS Drama Club have truly put our heart and soul into the production. We have worked on it for months, to truly give the audience a heartwarming story worth watching.”
Castmate Ava Crawford, also a senior, said simply that “this is going be awesome production.”
Sobolow shared what’s so interesting about “Anastasia” is the mix of true history and entertainment.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
“This year’s theater production of ‘Anastasia’ brings a compelling mix of history and fantasy to the stage, captivating audiences with its sweeping score and gripping narrative,” said Sobolow. “While the musical itself is a work of fiction, it is inspired by the real-life mystery surrounding Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov, the daughter of Russia’s last czar. In 1918, the Romanov family was executed during the Russian Revolution, but rumors persisted for decades that Anastasia may have survived. This legend inspired countless stories, including the animated film and, ultimately, the stage musical.”
Beyond its historical intrigue, Anastasia is a story about identity, hope, and the search for belonging — universal themes that resonate with all audiences. Whether you’re drawn to its historical mystery, its powerful music, or its heartwarming journey, there’s something in “Anastasia” for everyone, said Sobolow.
Performances are Friday, March 14 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for students/seniors and $8 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online through the district website: stgrsd.org; call 413-320-1170 with questions.
More information on the full cast is at https://tinyurl.com/4hh248wn.
