Program IYT JR

HER PAST WAS A MYSTERY, HER FUTURE WAS AN ADVENTURE.

Anastasia: The Musical is the spectacular new musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be. This 60-minute adaptation of the Broadway hit is specially tailored for young actors.

From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, creators of such Broadway classics as Ragtime and Once On This Island, this dazzling show transports its audience 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 con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.

““Playing Anya means exploring what it’s like to search for who you are, where you come from, and where you belong,” says Lauren, an eighth-grade student at STARS Charter School. “Her journey from being unsure of herself to finding confidence is really meaningful to me. And I love getting to share a story about hope and discovering yourself.”

Lauren Dixon as Anya

CAST
(In order of appearance)

Young Anastasia – Vivian Baker
The Dowager Empress Maria Fyodorovna – Ginnie Elkins
Tsar Nicholas II – Marlee McCaskill
Tsarina Alexandra Fyodorovna – Molly Ferrari
Maria, Mira – Anna Blair Brisson
Tatiana, Nikola – Morgan Lewis
Olga, Sasha – Alexandra Newsom
Tsarevich Alexei, Alexei – Liam Turner
Photographer, Dunya – Emilia Mashburn
Grand Duchess Anastasia “Anya” – Lauren Dixon
Gleb Vaganov – John David Yoder
Dmitry – Noah Davis
Luda, Announcer – Emma Ayers
Mikhail, Police Officer 1 – Lucas Golden
Galina, Police Officer 2 – Lynden Hart
Vlad Popov – Joshua Nixon
Countess Ipolitov, Exiled Russian – Hannah Johnson
Count Leopold, Gorlinsky, Govt Worker – Zoë Manning
Lily – Teagan Schmidt
Marfa – Lera Dayne Holmes
Paulina – Taylor Schmidt

Josh, also an eighth-grade student at STARS Charter School, adds, “When we get on the train, that’s when they really start to get to know each other. That’s also when Vlad begins to realize she is truly Anastasia. From that point on, it’s no longer about the plan—it becomes about getting her safely to her grandmother.”

Josh Nixon as Vlad Popov

A LITTLE HISTORY

Helmed by Tony Award-winning director Darko Tresnjak, Anastasia made its world premiere at Hartford Stage in Connecticut, completing a sold-out, record-breaking run before transferring to Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre on March 23, 2017. Anastasia has also been seen on national tour in the United States and garnered Best Musical awards in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.

Noah, an eighth-grade student at STARS Charter School, shares that Dmitry evolves throughout the show: “He starts the show as a guarded, street-smart con man who mostly sees Anya as a way to make money. But over the course of the story, he becomes more honest and emotionally open. He realizes that what really matters isn’t the reward—it’s protecting Anya and choosing love and integrity over his old survival instincts.”

Noah Davis as Dmitry

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director/Choreographer: Nikki Hendricks
Music Director: Amelia Kaczmarek
Stage Manager: David Cox
Assistant Stage Manager: Will Cook
Set Designer: Gary Taylor
Costume Designer: Greer Christopher
Props: Mackenzie Conlon
Sound: Ward Productions
Sound Engineer: David Cox
Lighting: Gary Taylor, Logan Christopher
Executive Director: Rita Taylor

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:

https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists

MEET THE DIRECTOR

Nikki Hendricks, Director, Choreographer

At its heart, Anastasia is a story about longing—for home, for family, for belonging. As this is my very first production with IYT, I could not have asked for a more meaningful journey to begin. From our first rehearsal to this final performance, I have watched these young artists support one another, take brave, creative risks, have tons of fun, and grow in ways that reach far beyond the stage. Our cast chant, ‘We can learn to do it!’ became more than words—it became a promise: to work hard, to grow, to trust one another, and to rise to every challenge together. This cast welcomed me with the same warmth, courage, and heart that this story celebrates, and in doing so, showed me exactly what makes IYT so special. I am deeply proud of each of our cast members and grateful to share this moment with you.

Nikki

Book by Terrence McNally, Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynne Ahrens
Inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Pictures
by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical
From the play by Marcelle Maurette as adapted by Guy Bolton

THANK YOU!

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this production of Anastasia: The Musical – Youth Edition possible.

First and foremost, thank you to our incredible Cast. Your dedication, talent, and countless hours of rehearsal brought this story to life with grace, energy, and heart. We are so proud of the commitment you have shown both on and off the stage.

To our production team and stage crew. Your vision, craftsmanship, and tireless work behind the scenes brought this musical to life. From costumes and sets to sound, lights, and music, your artistry created the magic our audience now gets to see on stage.

We are deeply grateful to our families and friends for your unwavering encouragement, patience, and support. Thank you for the rides to rehearsals, offers to volunteer, making the additional rehearsals work, and all of your kind words.

Finally, thank you to our audience. Your presence and applause mean the world to our performers. We hope you have enjoyed this journey as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you.

With gratitude,

Nikki Hendricks, Director