More than 100 student actors, singers, dancers, musicians and tech crew will wow audiences with Anastasia: The Musical presented by Matthew Flinders Anglican College from 23 to 25 February.
The Sunshine Coast community is invited to experience this dazzling Secondary School production across four shows, including a Saturday matinee, at the Flinders Performance Centre in Buderim.
Get your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/CEBNP
Based on the beloved film and now a Broadway hit, Anastasia is a spectacular new show From Tony® winners Terrence McNally (book), Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics).
As part of the Flinders Creative Arts co-curricular program, the students will take audiences on an epic adventure, from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s.
It’s a story about discovering who you are and defining what you’re meant to be.
Students Developing Skills Through the Flinders Creative Arts Program
Flinders’ Director of Creative Arts, Mr Danny Parker said many of the students in the show had been developing their skills over years of being involved in creative arts productions at the College.
“It’s a joy to see students develop, and I’m delighted that five of our six principal characters were in the first show I produced at Flinders in 2020,” Danny said.
“Anastasia has been a fantastic company journey for the more than 100 students and the staff involved - we’ve danced, we’ve sung, we’ve learnt technical skills and new music. And we’ve marched together towards a shared vision. It all enhances our lives.”
Danny said the future was in good hands as the College had launched the Flinders Youth Theatre in 2021 to mentor Primary School students with an interest in the creative arts.
“It was wonderful to have these students audition to play the children in the story and join the company of Anastasia. They may be younger, but they are every bit as committed!”
Students in the chorus and Anastasia orchestra confidently perform the show’s musical score - a mix of pop and classical music, filled with soaring ballads, lively ensemble pieces, orchestral gems and striking choruses.
Year 12 Students Embrace Lead Roles in their Graduating Year
Flinders Year 12 student Connor Keogh is playing the character of Dmitry, a lead role, while his younger brother Fynn in Year 6 is following in his footsteps as one of the youngest to successfully audition for the ensemble.
Connor said, “Being part of Anastasia has been a brilliant opportunity to hone my creativity and I’ve found the process to be enjoyable and challenging yet rewarding.
“It has been a pleasure to share the experience with my fellow cast and crew members and the staff involved in helping this production come to life.”
Abi Parker in Year 12 is playing the lead role of Anya. Anastasia marks her seventh show at Flinders.
“By far, this has been the biggest challenge for me as a performer,” Abi said.
“Anya is such a powerhouse character and it has been an amazing journey to portray such a strong woman on the stage,” she said.
“We’ve all worked so hard to put together a truly beautiful show for everyone and, from the bottom of our hearts, we hope you all enjoy it!”
Students Learn Technical Crew Skills and Explore New Technology in Stage Design
Anastasia has also been an exciting challenge for Mr Danny Parker, who has been directing student productions for more than 20 years and is also an actor and talented children’s book writer.
Danny said, “It’s unusual for me to direct a show that I’ve never seen done elsewhere, so Anastasia has been an exciting journey where I’ve been discovering the twists and turns of the production at the same time as the cast and crew!
“Behind the scenes our Flinders Technical Crew is growing in confidence and skill under the expert tutelage of Flinders Head of Drama, Ms Charlene McMenamin and Technical Co-ordinator Mr Brendon West.
“What’s more, during the pandemic we decided to invest in stage designs that focused more on technology, rather than on hard flats and blocks for a set. And out of this decision comes the digital media staging solution for Anastasia; it’s one of the positives to come out of the pandemic.”
Running time: The performance runs for approximately 2.5 hours with a 20-minute intermission.
SHOW INFORMATION:
Matthew Flinders Anglican College Secondary School Proudly Presents
Anastasia: The Musical
Venue: Flinders Performance Centre, Stringybark Road, Buderim
Matthew Flinders Anglican College
Show dates: 23-25 February 2023
Evening performances on Thursday 23 February to Saturday 25 February: 7pm to 10:00pm
Matinee on Saturday, 25 February: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Book tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CEBNP
Adult price: $35 per person
Student/child/concession price: $25 per person
