Local production of Anastasia gets rave reviews
Wednesday July 22, 2009
The cast of 42 (and most of the 30 backstage crew) of the local stage production of ‘Anastasia—The Russian Princess’ which appeared with rave reviews at the Cobar Bowling and Golf Club last week.
The local stage production of ‘Anastasia—The Russian Princess’ appeared at the Cobar Bowling and Golf Club last week with audiences giving it a rave review.
“Brilliant, fantastic, awesome and incredible” were just some of the words used to describe local producer/director Cindy Mitchell’s first attempt at a major stage production.
The cast of 42, assisted by 30 backstage crew, performed four shows with Saturday night almost a sell-out show.
Anita Hodgkinson was cast perfectly for her leading role as Anastasia.
With her strong musical performance background and sweet and true soprano voice, she was ideal for the role.
Chris Marshall as Demetri swapped his usual baritone style to sing tenor and did it very well.
Stuart Wharton, as Vlad, showed his diversity as a star on the Cobar stage.
More used to ad-libbing comedy and miming at local PP fundraiser nights, Stuart showed that he can act and also has a very pleasant tenor voice.
Shane Dupille as Rasputin, received loud applause and was also booed each night when the cast took their bows at the end of the show, which only proved how believable Shane was in his evil character.
Bev Anderson as the Queen gave a very regal and royal performance, Belinda Pitkin was delightful and cheeky in the role of Sophie, and Laura Barnes was wonderful in her roles as Young Anastasia and a ballerina.
However it was young Rorke Lennon, as Bartok the albino bat, who stole the show.
The eight year old’s comic timing, charisma and stage presence made him a stand-out.
The major cast was well supported by two chorus groups and ballerinas, some of whom pulled off the quickest costume changes ever witnessed.
Other show stealers included the opening singers Bonnie Wilson and Angie White.
Backstage there was an extensive and very professional crew with audiences appreciating the effective costumes, hair and makeup, the brilliant sets, effective lighting and sound, which was all professionally coordinated by producer/director Cindy Mitchell.
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