Anastasia October 2023

October 6-8, 2023

July 14-23, 2023

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

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

www.concordtheatricals.com

I couldn’t be more excited to be back at the helm of another MCT youth production. Anastasia is a much different animal than the first two shows I directed ( Dear Edwina and Seussical Jr.). This show was written for elaborate sets, fancy costumes, and a large cast. The stage in front of you makes it difficult to display those things. My production team works miracles to make it happen. However, it allows our youth actors to really dig down to the core of what makes a musical great. As wonderful as technical elements of a show can be, the real meat and potatoes of an amazing show come in a well told story with some memorable songs. Anastasia has both of those. So, we are able to tackle harsh themes of death, revolution, heartbreak, risk, and change and use them to teach our actors about resilience, selfdiscovery, hope, and love. Talk to a few of these actors after the show and you’ll see that these characteristics will travel with them long after the curtain closes on this show.

The MCT youth show is in its 6th season after its rebirth in 2017. I would say most of those productions had a majority of kids from ages 8-14 with a few older actors sprinkled in. This is the first one that really has a number of more experienced youth performers. This unique cast has cultivated what I hoped this program would become. A program that mentors new actors and allows them to become experienced performers that can be successful in larger productions, as well as build interest in the other elements needed to be part of a community theater. Some of the youth in the show built sets, hung lights, served as assistant directors, and most importantly shared their knowledge and enthusiasm with first time stage actors. Wait until you see what they can do. You will be blown away. I know this won’t be the last time you will see many of them on stage, and I personally hope to be up there on the big stage with some of them soon. Finally, my own daughter turns eight in February which is the first year she can audition for an MCT show. She wants to audition next year. For any of you that know my wife and I, you know we met doing a show, and there hasn’t been a year since that one or both of us weren’t involved with a show. Now we will try to straddle the worlds of being performers and stage parents. Wish us luck. I hope she’ll see some of these faces next year. I’d be lucky to have her work with my friends from Anastasia . Enjoy the show!!

Jude Adams Director

CAST

Anya.....................................................................................................Emily Humphreys

Dmitry................................................................................Rocco Spinozzi-D'Andrea

Vlad..........................................................................................................................Jack Boell

Dowager Empress Maria.........................................................................Jay McFalls

Lily.....................................................................................................................Haley Harner

Gleb...........................................................................................................Danny Shapella

Young Anastasia............................................................................................Ella Basom

Tsar Nicholas II.....................................................................................Gavin Karlinsey

Tsarina Alexandra........................................................................................Violet Tulig

Anastasia's Sisters...................................................................................................................

...........................Charlotte Karlinsey, Julia Karlinsey, Delaney Markward

Anastasia's Brother...............................................................................Dominic Nash

Countess Ipolitov..................................................................................Katie Shapella

Countess Leopold....................................................................Jocelyn Williamson

Ensemble............................Lorilei Blasetti, Bella Bonanni, Alexis Bullock, ...........Brynn Hopper, Kayla Mastricolo, Minna Miklosh, Micah Perry, ...........................Tia Ryan, Alexis Stirling, Gabriella Strano, Harper Willis

St. Petersburg Soloists...................................Lorilei Blasetti, Alexis Bullock, Kayla Mastricolo, Minna Miklosh, Micah Perry, Alexis Stirling, Gabriella Strano

Photographer..........................................................................................Lorilei Blasetti

Marfa.............................................................................................................Alexis Bullock

Paulina...................................................................................................Kayla Mastricolo

Dunya.........................................................................................................Minna Miklosh

Policemen..............................................................Micah Perry, Gabriella Strano

Gorlinsky..................................................................................................................Tia Ryan

Train Announcers..............................................Bella Bonanni, Brynn Hopper

Exiled Russian.............................................................................................Harper Willis

MUSICAL NUMBERS

Opening Fanfare and Opening Scene...................................The Romanov Family, Ensemble

Prologue: Once Upon A December...............................Young Anastasia, Dowager Empress

The Last Dance Of The Romanovs.........................................The Romanov Family, Ensemble

A Rumor in St. Petersburg....................................................Dmitry, Vlad, St. Petersburg Soloists

In My Dreams........................................................................Anya, Ghosts of the Romanov Family

The Rumors Never End......................................................................................................Gleb, Ensemble

Learn to Do It...................................................................................................................Vlad, Dmitry, Anya

My Petersburg..............................................................................................................................Dmitry, Anya

Once Upon A December..................................................Anya, Ghosts of the Romanov Family

Stay, I Pray You..............................................Countess Ipolitov, Anya, Dmitry, Vlad, Ensemble

Traveling Sequence/Still................................................................................................................Ensemble

Journey To The Past...........................................................................................................Anya, Ensemble

Paris Holds The Key (To Your Heart)..........................................................Vlad, Dmitry, Ensemble

Paris Holds The Key (Reprise)..................................................................................................................Anya

Land Of Yesterday.......................................................................Lily, Countess Leopold, Ensemble

A Nightmare Ghosts of the Romanov Family

In A Crowd Of Thousands.....................................................................................................Dmitry, Anya

Everything to Win .....Dmitry

Once Upon A December (Reprise)...........................................................Anya, Dowager Empress

The Press Conference......................................................................................................................Ensemble

Everything To Win (Reprise)....................................................................................................................Anya

Finale.......................................................................................................................................................Company

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer.............................................................................................................Barb Cross

Director............................................................................................................Jude Adams

Student Assistant Director/Stage Manager...............................Ali Johnson

Music Director........................................................................................Brian Shapella

Student Assistant Music Director/Stage Crew..............................Alex Ortiz

Choreographer...................................................................................Rebecca Yenser

Set Design/Construction Lead.............................................................John Cross

Scenic Artist..................................................Aleeza Furman, Christine Wright

Set Decorator/Props....................................................................................Barb Cross

Costume Design.............................................................................Nicolette Adams

Hair & Makeup Design......................................................................Kate McShane

Tech Director...............................................................................................Mike Addice

Lighting Designer/Operator....................................Emily Cross, Zoe Wright

Sound Design/Operator...............................Mike Addice, Brenda Capwell

Set Construction................................John Cross, Cast Members & Families

Photographers....................................................Gabi Cherelli & Leslie Hopper

Graphic Design...............................................Gabi Cherelli & Christine Furey

Board Liaison..............................................................................................Janice Orner

Box Office......................................................Ashley Lawrence, Michelle Miller

House Manager..............................................................................................Barb Cross

MCT 2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Kate McShane (President)

Nicolette Adams (Vice President)

Lindsay Zimmerman (Secretary)

Brenda Capwell (Treasurer) - non-board

Barb Cross

John Gray

Katie McCool-Bartolotta

Heather McElhiney

Janice Orner

Rebecca Yenser

MEET THE CAST

Ella Basom (Young Anastasia)

Ella is a third grader at Daniel Boone Intermediate Center. She loves singing, dancing, and acting! This is Ella’s second show. In the spring, she played “Gurgle” in Finding Nemo, Jr. Ella is so excited to play Young Anastasia!

Lorilei Blasetti (St. Petersburg Ensemble / Photographer)

Lorilei is very excited to be a part of this very moving production of Anastasia Jr., and her first role with Methacton Community Theater. One of Lorilei’s favorite roles includes playing Miss Gulch in The Wizard of Oz. Lorilei would like to thank all her family and friends for always supporting her dreams! She is looking forward to performing in many more productions with MCT.

Jack Boell (Vlad)

This is Jack's first show with MCT. In the past, Jack has performed in his middle school's productions of High School Musical, Jr. as Zeke Baylor, and The Little Mermaid, Jr. as Sebastian. He enjoys acting and singing on stage. In his spare time, Jack likes hanging out with his friends and playing video games. He would like to thank his friends and family for all of their support. He would also like to thank the Directors, Production Team, and MCT for making his first show with them memorable.

MEET THE CAST

Bella Bonanni (Ensemble / Train Announcer #1)

Bella is excited to be in her first community theater production, and for it to be with MCT. She would like to thank the incredibly talented cast and crew for this wonderful experience as well as her family and friends for all of their support!

Alexis Bullock (St. Petersburg Ensemble / Marfa)

Alexis is excited and thrilled to be in her third show at MCT. She is a Haverford High School freshman. She would like to thank her dad, stepmom, and especially her grandfather for supporting her through her acting and academic career.

Haley Harner (Lily)

Haley is a sophomore at Pottsgrove High School. This is her first show at MCT! Outside of the theater, she enjoys singing in her school’s choir, and volunteering as a member of Green Allies at the Althouse Arboretum. Previous roles of hers include: Miss Honey (Matilda), Medda Larkin (Newsies), Eleanore (Starmites), and most recently, PGHS’ Anything Goes where she played the role of Reno Sweeney. Haley would like to thank her amazing vocal coach, Lori Ann Strunk-Olock, for teaching her and always believing in her. Enjoy the show!

MEET THE CAST

Brynn Hopper (Ensemble / Train Announcer #2)

Brynn is overjoyed to be making her MCT debut. Previously, she has been seen in Newsies Jr. (Seitz/Pigtails), and High School Musical Jr. (Cyndra) at PPAC. Brynn thanks Jude, Becky, Brian, and the MCT production team for a fun first experience, and her family for their support over the last three months.

Emily Humphreys (Anya)

This experience has truly been a “Journey to The Past” for Emily, getting to play her childhood dream role. Emily has performed regionally in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne), and Sister Act (Ensemble/Michelle understudy/swing), both at the Media Theatre. Some of her favorite community credits include: Anything Goes (Hope Harcourt), The Bridges of Madison County (Carolyn), and Frozen (Anna). Off the stage, Emily enjoys competing in NATS vocal competitions, which she has had the honor of advancing to the national level two years in a row. Emily would like to thank her family, friends, and amazing voice teacher Chelsea. And a special thank you to all of the amazing people that have made her first show at Methacton such an incredible experience.

Charlotte Karlinsey (Anastasia’s Sister)

Charlotte is so excited to be in her second MCT production. She enjoyed being in Miss Honey's class in Matilda, and is looking forward to being one of Anastasia's sisters. She's also looking forward to sharing the stage again with Gavin and Julia. She would like to thank her family for their encouragement and the production team for this opportunity.

MEET THE CAST

Gavin Karlinsey ( Tsar Nicholas II)

Gavin is excited to participate in his fifth theater production, his fourth with MCT. He is in eighth grade at Arcola, and enjoys sports, video games, and Marvel movies. He plays piano and drums, and has participated in several live and virtual performances. He is looking forward to his role as the Tsar, and sharing the stage with his sisters. He also wants his family to know he appreciates their support.

Julia Karlinsey (Anastasia’s Sister)

Julia is eleven years old and looking forward to her fifth show with MCT. She is excited to be working with Jude again, since he provided her first stage opportunity as a Bird Girl in Seussical Jr. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her, and she is thrilled to be playing her sister's sister in the show!

Delaney Markward (Anastasia’s Sister)

Delaney is thrilled to appear on stage in her second MCT production, Anastasia. Delaney’s favorite roles include: a classroom child in Matilda, Mowgli from Jungle Book Jr., Young Anna in Frozen Jr., and Molly in Annie Jr. A special thanks to the cast and crew of Anastasia for making this such a wonderful experience.

MEET THE CAST

Kayla Mastricolo (St. Petersburg Ensemble / Paulina)

This is Kayla’s first show at Methacton. She is so excited to be a part of this cast. Some of Kayla’s past shows have included: Seussical, Chicago, Newsies, and Guys and Dolls. Besides doing theater, Kayla loves to do various styles of dance. Everyone has been so kind and has made her first show at MCT such a great experience!

Jay McFalls (Dowager Empress Maria)

Jay is so excited to be a part of her first production with MCT! Jay is currently a junior at PAHS. Some of her favorite past shows include: The Addams Family (Morticia Addams), Murder at the Pie Auction (Roger Marble), as well as The Spongebob Musical (Featured Dancer/ u/s Pearl) with Facetime Theatre. Off stage, Jay is the co-leader of her school's acapella group, Vocal Fusion, as well as a Cappies Critic team member. Jay is also a proud Dreamer with the Broadway Dreams program. Jay would like to thank her friends, family, vocal coach, and the Anastasia faculty for being so supportive. Enjoy the show!

Minna Miklosh (St. Petersburg Ensemble / Dunya)

Minna is in eighth grade, and will be participating in her second performance with MCT. Minna has previously performed as Middle Elsa and Ms. Hannigan in her school’s spring musicals. When she’s not on stage you can find her diving on the court playing volleyball. Minna is so grateful for this amazing cast, and is so excited to put on a great show!

MEET THE CAST

Dominic Nash (Anastasia’s

Brother)

Dominic is so excited to perform for the first time with Methacton Community Theater! Dominic is eleven years old and in sixth grade in the Methacton School District, and a student at the Conservatory of Music and Dance. Outside of his love for musical theater, he also enjoys playing the piano, saxophone, and indoor soccer. Dominic is so grateful to the producers for giving him a role in this production, and he thanks all of his family and friends for their love and support!

Micah Perry (St. Petersburg Ensemble / Policeman #1)

Micah is extremely excited for his second show with MCT. He has experience in three shows: The Little Mermaid Jr., (Sebastian), High School Musical Jr. (Chad), and Matilda (Michael). Micah absolutely loves music in general, and especially loves to sing, and play piano and saxophone. He also loves puzzles like Rubik’s cubes. Overall, he’s extremely happy that he was able to take part in Anastasia this year!

Tia Ryan (Ensemble / Gorlinsky)

Tia is looking forward to performing in her first show with MCT. Some of favorite shows she has been part of include: 2023 Broadway Blockbusters, Clue: On Stage (Motorist), and Salem’s Daughter (Marcy). She would like to thank her family for driving her back and forth to rehearsals to support her, and the cast and crew for being so amazing!

MEET THE CAST

Danny Shapella (Gleb)

Danny was last seen as a Big Kid in MCT's Matilda. Some of Danny's favorite roles include: Big Kid in Matilda, Michael in Peter Pan, Young Will in Big Fish, The King in Frozen Jr., and a Wickersham in Seussical Jr. Danny is fourteen years old, in ninth grade, and enjoys Boy Scouts and baseball. He is super excited to be a part of this show, and would like to thank the Directors and Producers for all of the hard work they do. He'd also like the thank his whole family for their help and support.

Katie Shapella (Countess Ipolitov)

Katie is so excited to be back for her eighth MCT production! She was most recently in the Classroom Kids ensemble for Matilda at MCT. Favorite roles include: Ariel (The Little Mermaid Jr.), Sharpay (High School Musical Jr.), a teen (Bye Bye Birdie), and Pabbie (Frozen Jr.). She also was a runner up for a local voice competition, Julia's Joy. Thanks to the cast and crew, enjoy!

Rocco Spinozzi-D’Andrea (Dmitry)

Rocco enjoys spending most of his time daydreaming about dolphins, and various forms of sea life. While many of his millions of fans may know him for the many shows he’s done across the critically acclaimed community theaters of southeast Pennsylvania, truth be told, he just wants to swim with the fishies! Rocco hopes you all enjoy the show!

MEET THE CAST

Alexis Stirling (St. Petersburg Ensemble)

Alexis is thrilled to be back on stage, for her third production with Methacton Community Theater. Previous roles include: Middle Anna in Frozen Jr. (MCT), Royal Page in Descendants (Ohev Players), Tommie in Matilda (MCT). In addition to acting, Alexis loves to sing and read! Alexis would like to thank her family and friends for their continued support! To the cast and crew of Anastasia, Alexis thanks you for your wisdom and guidance!

Gabriella Strano (St. Petersburg Ensemble / Policeman #2)

This is Gabriella’s first show with the Methacton Community Theater. She has done shows with the Plymouth Performing Arts Center, and Saint Philip Neri School. Recent shows include: Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, High School Musical, and Annie. Gabby had an amazing time with the fellow actors in this production, and is excited to do more shows in the future.

Violet Tulig ( Tsarina Alexandra)

Violet is thrilled to be a part of her fourth MCT production! She fell in love with theater at the young age of eight, and has enjoyed performing since. Past favorite credits include: Guys and Dolls (Sarah) Springford Middle School, Matilda (Matilda), Springford Middle School, Seussical Jr. (JoJo) Methacton Community Theater, and Cinderella (Cinderella) Stagelight at SALT Performing Arts. She would like to thank the entire cast and crew of Anastasia for the amazing experience!

MEET THE CAST

Jocelyn Williamson (Countess Leopold)

Jocelyn is thrilled to be part of her second MCT show! Jocelyn has previously performed in MCT’s Matilda, along with her school musicals, Frozen Jr. (Young Elsa), Annie Jr. (Miss Hannigan), and was part of the ensemble in Mulan Jr. Jocelyn would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her.

Harper Willis (Ensemble / Exiled Russian)

Harper is a fifth grade student at Brookeside Montessori School. This is Harper’s debut performance with MCT. Prior roles include: dance troupe/castle servant in Beauty and The Beast Jr. at First Street Players in Birdsboro, as Wickersham Brother #2 in Seussical Kids, and as Timon in Lion King Jr. at Stagelight SALT performing Arts in Chester Springs. Harper’s a talented vocalist who performs regularly with her choir group at The Music Studio of Patricia Keith. Harper would like to thank the directors and producers for all the work they’ve put into the show. She would also like to thank her parents, friends, family, and teachers for supporting her musical theater aspirations.

MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM

Jude Adams (Director)

Jude has been directing youth shows for almost 20 years. He is directing his third youth show for MCT. Past credits include: Dear Edwina and Seussical Jr. He has been involved with MCT in many ways including as a board and committee member, as well as an actor on stage. Jude’s favorite roles include: Daddy Warbucks, Charlie Brown, Leaf Coneybear, and Shrek. Outside the theater world Jude has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education and has been an elementary school teacher for 22 years. He would like to thank his production team and family for their support, as well as all of the amazing MCT members and families for allowing me to work with these awesome young people.

Ali Johnson (Student Assistant Director/Stage Manager)

Ali is thrilled to be taking on her first production role. Although this is Ali’s first time off the stage, this is her eighth show with MCT. Ali would like to thank the wonderful cast and crew for making this experience unforgettable, along with her family for their endless support. And she would also like to thank her sister for being her inspiration, and Peter Parker for looking out for the little guy.

Rebecca Yenser (Choreographer)

Rebecca is delighted to return for her eleventh show with MCT. She received her BA degree from Penn State University in Theatre/Dance Performance. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with this wonderful group of talented young performers, and an absolutely stellar production team. Rebecca would like to thank her husband, Dustin, for his continued and unwavering support.

ANNUAL GIVING DONORS

Friends ($20-$99)

Steve Arcidiacono

Linda Clark

Janice and Ken Orner

Supporters ($100-$499)

John and Barb Cross

Steve and Yvonne Montgomery

Patrons ($500-$2499)

John & Kathryn Gray

Johnson & Johnson

Deb Schrager

Bill and Kate McShane

You have a role at MCT.

MCT is an all-volunteer non-profit 501(C)(3) theater company that has produced high quality live theater in Montgomery County for over forty years. This season, we will present three musicals, one stage play, and one youth theater production. We create outstanding shows that entertain our audiences, provide a creative outlet to the community, and educate people of all ages about the theater arts.

Support our mission by becoming a member, becoming a patron, and telling a friend about the show you saw today. Word of mouth is the most effective way that we attract new audiences.

Our members create costumes, design sets, source props, devise lighting and sound plans, perform, manage our finances, create marketing plans, and much more. We welcome new volunteers at every skill level and would love to tell you more about how to get involved at MCT!

Our patrons support our shows through ticket sales, direct donations, employer matching, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, and planned gifts. We gratefully accept cash and check donations at every performance.

To contribute online, please use this link to donate: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/become-a-mct-donor

To contribute by mail, please send your donation to: MCT

PO Box 26144

Collegeville, PA 19426

Special Thanks

Ascension United Church of Christ, Jeffersonville PA All Parent Volunteers

Great Valley High School Drama Guild, Malvern PA

Kate McShane

Kit Niesen

Perry Family

Brittany Recupero

Shapella Family

Alicia Simme

Saint Hubert’s Catholic High School for Girls, Philadelphia PA

Steel River Playhouse, Pottstown PA

Variety Club Camp and Development Center, Worcester PA

Liz Wheeler

Dustin Yenser

Ella , You have been singing and dancing since you could talk and walk!

We are so proud of you and are so excited to watch you on stage doing what you love as Young Anastasia!

L Love, Mom, Dad, O livia, and Ev erett x oxo

You have come so far....from the Dodo bird in Alice in Wonderland to Anya in Anastasia. We

Love, Mom, Dad, Gregory and Grammy

are so proud of you!!!

BEST OF LUCK TO THE CAST AND CREW OF ANASTASIA!!

GABBY, WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND CANT WAIT TO SEE THE

SHOW!

LOVE, MOM, DAD, ANDREW

Dominic,

We are so proud of the work you have put into be in your first musical! We cannot wait to see you and the rest of the cast put on an unforgettable show all weekend. Keep shining bright and follow your passion!

Love, Mommy, Daddy and RaRa

Jocelyn –

Way to go “Countess Leopold”! We always love to see you on stage and are so proud of you! Keep shining and doing what you love to do!

Jocelyn – Way to go “Big Kid”! We always love to see you on stage and are so proud of you! Keep shining and doing what you love to do! We Love You! Mom & Dad

We Love You! – Mom & Dad

We are so proud & love to see you perform together. joy to others. Keep on shining! The Williamsons

Delaney and Minna - We are so proud & love to see you perform

using your gifts to bring joy to others. Keep on shining! The Williamsons

Jocelyn, Delaney and MinnaWe are so proud, and love to see you perform together. Keep using your gifts to bring joy to others. Keep on shining!

- The Williamsons

www.lansdalecatholic.com

Lorilei

You’ve always been a star to us, now it’s time for everyone else to see you shine ! We are so proud of you and all your hard work! We love you peanut!

Jocelyn,

MCT would like to thank Variety Club for the use of the Recreation Hall to rehearse and perform, Anastasia. We appreciate their generosity and value our ongoing partnership with them.

Founded 85 years ago, Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley has a mission to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through social, educational, and vocational programs that nurture independence and self-confidence and prepare them for life.

November 3 - 12, 2023

Shannondell Performing Arts Theater