Alluvion Stage Company Produces “Anastasia”

Students can journey to the past with “Anastasia,” Alluvion Stage Company’s newest production in the Tower Theater.

Anya, an amnesiac who longs to find the truth of her past, joins con man, Dmitry, and the hilarious ex-aristocrat, Vlad Popov, to escape Russia and find the answers she seeks in Paris. The trio captivates the audience as Anya uncovers her forgotten memories and struggles to evade the determined Soviet officer, Gleb Vaganov. The musical follows Anya’s dream to find “home, love and family,” as each character discovers what they need throughout the perilous journey.

With rich musical performances such as “Land of Yesterday” and “In My Dreams,” the musical is full of breathtaking visuals, heart-stopping solos and entertaining ensembles that bring the musical to life. Each beautiful costume flawlessly matches the scene, offering a deep sense of contrast as the main characters move from their impoverished Russian homeland to elegant Parisian high society.

Director Chris Nelson described it as “a sweeping legend.” He noted the parallels between the secular musical and Christianity.

“We all go through life longing for (an) eternal home, love and family,” Nelson said.

The show takes its audience to over twenty-five locations, from the gossiping streets of St. Petersburg to the Parisian theater. Each location features its own musical number that furthers the plot while continuing to draw in the audience.

“There’s a joy about this process that I have enjoyed,” Nelson said.

Anastasia was produced by the Alluvion Stage Company, Liberty University’s professional theatre company. So, in addition to being trained by their professors, theatre students had the opportunity to work with professional actors. Working alongside professionals showed students what it takes to succeed after graduation.

Nelson said he loved seeing the graciousness of these professionals as they came together with the students over the last few weeks.

Senior psychology student, Nyshelle Velez, said that the combination of professionals, students and children from the community just starting their acting career elevates the production.

“It was amazing … the set … adds a lot to the show,” Velez said.

Nelson also explained that it has been a blessing to see the students become ambassadors to their fellow actors. The process of creating this work of art was not an easy one. Nelson described the year-long process of making the musical as “one that (had) great joy and a healthy dose of terror.”

Nelson hopes the musical will spark conversation among audience members, especially during the upcoming Talkback performance on Sept. 20. This Q&A session
is free and open to the public. Talkback performances include the director, designer and select actors, which allow attendees to learn more about the performance.

Despite the hardships and internal struggles that the characters experience throughout the musical, Nelson is confident the audience will leave with a smile. 

“It’s full of life; it’s uplifting; it is deep. It’s got great characters, a great score,” Nelson said. “It’ll probably connect to people differently, like all shows do, like all pieces of art do. … It’ll be an introduction to a new musical for many, and I also love that too.”

“Anastasia” carries its theme of hope until the end, offering the audience a chance to reflect on the past from Sept. 6-22. For ticket information, visit www.liberty.edu/arts/theatre/tickets.

McKinnon is an arts and culture reporter for the Liberty Champion.