Review Of 'Anastasia' At Paul VI Catholic High School

From The Cappies: What would you do if you knew your life was a lie? This question and more is explored and analyzed in Paul VI Catholic High School's mischievous production of Anastasia, written by Guy Bolton and Marcelle Maurette. When a cunning group of con men dress up an amnesiac as the titular missing princess Anastasia in the hopes of obtaining the large reward for her safe return, they soon begin to question whether there is more to this girl's past than meets the eye. With incredible ability and beautiful design, the PVI players put on a mesmerizing production.

The production was riddled with incredible actors who held ability beyond their age. Playing the amnesiac Anna was senior Gloria Whitfield. In this complicated role, Whitfield was able to sincerely interpret the emotions behind the pressure her character faced. At one point anxious and confused, the next commanding and mighty, the actress portrayed this wide span of sentiments effortlessly. Another standout performance was made by lead actor Daniel Jacobs in the role of Prince Bounine, a disgraced royal leading the scheme to resurrect the long lost princess. Jacobs took a strict and mighty approach to his character, keeping a stern glare on his character's face the entire performance. His phenomenal projection also kept both his intentions and presence clear to the audience.

Perhaps the most commanding performance of the night was that of Mackenzie Bacarella in the role of the Dowager Empress, Anastasia's hardened grandmother. Bacarella also showed a wide range of emotion, particularly in her character's transition as she begins to believe Anna could be her real granddaughter. She also utilized the art of sarcasm throughout the performance both as a means of wit and to portray the hardship her character had to face. She not only commanded the stage, but also carried her subtle emotion throughout the performance.

The efforts of the technical team behind the scenes paid off tremendously onstage, with beautiful design permeating the entirety of the production. The costumes were carefully researched, beautifully designed and meticulously handcrafted by a team of Paul VI students under the direction of students Emma Hitchcock and Grace Lyons. Also tremendously accurate and stunning to the eye were the props used throughout the production, under the lead of student Amanda Kruzcowski. The set served as a picturesque and seamless backdrop to the intrigue occurring onstage.

The PVI players' incredible production leaves the audience questioning the authenticity of the characters to the very end. With lavish design and extraordinary performances, Anastasia is truly a performance you don't want to miss.

Written by Ward LeHardy of Washington-Lee High School

Photo by Angela Barcella: (from left to right) Mackenzie Bacarella, Gloria Whitfield, Daniel Jacobs