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This week, the GWA transported audiences on a breathtaking Journey to the Past with its whole school production of Anastasia: The Musical, a show that blends a poignant historical event with imagination, romance and humour. This production was the perfect amalgamation of music, drama and dance. Over the course of the week, the cast performed to a busy theatre on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening performances, as well as Tuesday’s matinee, which welcomed local prep schools, whose excitement and enthusiasm could be heard from across campus!
Based on the 1997 20th Century Fox animated film and set against the troubling times of the Russian Revolution and 1920s Paris, the story follows Anya (Maja W and understudy Sophia J), an amnesiac orphan with fragmented memories of her childhood. She is recruited by conmen Dmitry (JJ M) and Vlad (Sebastian V) to impersonate the long-lost Grand Duchess Anastasia and claim a reward from the Dowager Empress (Isla J). What begins as a scheme slowly transforms into a journey of self-discovery, love and the pursuit of truth.
From the moment the curtain rose, it was clear this production would be something special. The GWA had been transformed into a palace fit for royalty, with cascading staircases and atmospheric staging that seamlessly shifted from grandeur to revolutionary unrest and the elegance of 1920s Paris. The ghostly presence of Anastasia’s family added a poignant theatrical motif, with their haunting appearances throughout the show reinforcing its exploration of memory and loss.
The opening scene immediately captured the audience. The tender exchange between young Anastasia (Poppy R) and her Nana, the Dowager Empress, was both moving and intriguing. As the quiet notes of Once Upon a December echoed hauntingly through the auditorium and Anya received the symbolic music box, the foundation of the story was firmly set. The sudden transition to the execution of the Romanov family was staged with intensity and sensitivity, with the ensemble delivering a powerful Last Dance of the Romanovs that was both chilling and visually striking.
The energy lifted with the arrival of Vlad and Dmitry, whose chemistry and comic timing brought warmth and momentum to the production. The three street girls, Marfa, Paulina and Dunya (Camilla I, Alida M, Ella G), added a layer of humour to the scenes as they each tried to be the Anastasia impostor.
JJ M, who played Dmitry, reflected on the experience:
“If I was to tell you about my time in Anastasia, I’d say the rehearsal process was fun and rewarding, which helped teach me and many of the actors how to be better for our final performance this week, which has been one of the most fun-filled, rewarding experiences of my Wellington College time.”
Both performers portraying Anya delivered stunning renditions of In My Dreams, Journey to the Past and Once Upon a December, capturing the vulnerability and quiet determination of a young woman searching for her identity.
In contrast, Deputy Commissioner Gleb Vaganov (Barney V) provided a compelling antagonist. Rather than a traditional villain, Gleb is portrayed as a conflicted man torn between duty to the new regime and his growing feelings for Anya.
The introduction of Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch (Fifi B) brought glamour and wit to Parisian high society. The Paris scenes sparkled with energy, from the elegance of the prima ballerinas in Swan Lake to the beautifully choreographed ensemble pieces.
At its heart, Anastasia is a story about identity, resilience and the power of memory. Through polished performances, dynamic staging and a cohesive ensemble, the cast brought both spectacle and sincerity to the stage.
By the final curtain, it was clear that the students and staff had put an incredible amount of time and energy into this fantastic performance. Congratulations to Director Claire Anderson, Musical Director Sean Farrell and choreographers Clare Cooke and Holly Sexton. Bravo to the entire cast, crew and creative team for delivering a truly regal theatrical experience.
Reflecting on the production, Director Clare Anderson shared:
“This is such a magical show that brings light to a dark period of history. We really leaned into that sense of enchantment through the design elements and the acting. The two opposite worlds of Soviet Russia and 1920s Paris come to life with their own colour palettes and acting styles. Our cast, wearing their incredibly detailed costumes, work so hard to world-build and tell the story, creating a richly atmospheric and truly captivating piece of theatre.”
She also added:
“This cast has been a dream to work with, and I have felt so lucky to see them fall in love with the show over the rehearsal process. Every time I sit in the audience and watch their performances, I am so proud of each and every one of them. Their presence, their maturity and their commitment are so impressive.”
