MCS’ Anastasia set to wow theatergoers

An 18-piece orchestra. Catchy Broadway/Disney-esque music. A fairy tale story. Elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects. And, yes, choreographed ensemble dances. All the ingredients for a dazzling musical, and all the elements that characterize Mount Carmel School Theatre Club’s next production, Anastasia.

Anastasia is a fictional retelling of the legend of the Russian grand duchess Anastasia Romanov. The daughter of the last Russian tsar survives the slaughter of the imperial family, loses her memory, battles the ghost of the evil monk, Rasputin, convinces her grandmother of her true identity, and falls in love with the kitchen boy, Dimitri, who helped her escape.

But the story on stage is so much more.

Anastasia will feature live orchestral music from the Guam Territorial Band, which is traveling to Saipan with support from the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture. Conducted by respected musician, Maximo “Max” Ronquillo Jr., the band has been practicing for months.

“Performing a musical [on] Saipan will be a landmark event in the history of the Guam Territorial Band,” said Ronquillo. “This joining of two forces from two of the Mariana Islands is an exciting feat as it exemplifies the true nature of music—sharing of cultures, making friendships and, most important of all, sharing our talents to make music.”

Matching the grandeur of an 18-piece orchestra is choreography that captures the energy of Broadway and the spirit of imperial Russia. Choreographer Rommel Calcena enjoyed the challenge of working with students who had no formal dance training.

“At first they found it hard to move and sing at the same time. But they’re learning how to do it naturally,” Calcena said. “They have been very cooperative because they want to try something new like this.”

In addition to music and choreography, the show’s elaborate production design will truly push the limits of theatre on island. The set will utilize rolling panels for fast and smooth setting transitions. Several video projectors will complement the set with changing images throughout the show. And authentic-looking stage properties will add to the set’s historical realism.

As challenging as the production may be, set designer and stage manager Erlyn Dalan is up to the challenge. “It’s truly an honor to work with such a great group of people and that gives me the inspiration to produce the best set design I can, with the help of a wonderful backstage crew.”

Mimicking late 19th century Russian costumes has been no small feat either. To ensure that enough of these difficult costumes will be prepared in time for the 30-member cast, costume designers employed the services of at least five tailors.

“Working on costumes for Anastasia has been very interesting,” costume designer Angela Salas noted. “Trying to go back and make costumes that fit with that time period has been a great experience.”

And, of course, there is the drama. First-time student director Cyd Tribiana has been working with actors since August. He had no idea how challenging directing would be. “It’s difficult, especially since I’m directing a musical.”

As difficult as it has been, though, Cyd is excited about the production. “I feel absolutely proud because I don’t think the island has ever seen anything this big. This is going to be the most extravagant production this island will ever see.”

Anastasia will be performed at World Resort’s Diamond Ballroom from Thursday, Dec. 1, to Saturday, Dec. 3. Thursday’s show will be a dinner show, with plate service dinner at 6pm and performance at 7pm, followed by ballroom dancing with music provided by the Guam Territorial Band. Tickets for the dinner show are $50 per couple. Friday’s and Saturday’s shows begin at 7pm with an admission cost of $5 per person. Tickets are available at the Mount Carmel School Business Office. For more information, call 235-1251 or 234-6184. (PR)