Finding out who you are in ‘Anastasia’
Tyler Arts Council to present summer musical
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TYLER – The arts scene in southwest Minnesota continues its musical streak as the Tyler Arts Council hosts its first performance of “Anastasia” tonight at the RTR Performing Arts Center in Tyler.
Based on the popular movie acquired by Disney of the same name, the musical follows Anastasia, a girl who has lost her memory from amnesia. The story follows her journey to find out who she is while being chased by two con men Dimitri and Vladimir, who are hunting her down in exchange for a cash reward. Director Crystal Enga chose the musical for its popularity and the many songs it has throughout its 140-minute runtime.
"There’s a lot of big chorus numbers, and a lot of things for people to do," said Enga. "Everyone gets at least one line."
The musical is put on with the help of the Tyler Arts Council, a nonprofit, which according to their Facebook page, is dedicated to promoting and encouraging the public’s knowledge of the arts. They work towards that goal through putting on musicals like “Anastasia,” but also through hosting a holiday boutique to promote local art vendors, and hosting concerts for musical groups, said Enga.
With 38 actors and actresses, it was hard to cast with so much talent, Enga said. However, for the lead, Enga was sure that playing Anastasia would be Payton Zaske from Lake Benton.
"She has a wonderful voice to sing some of the really famous songs for the show," Enga said.
For the two con men after a cash prize, Enga wanted two actors who not only had the musical chops, but two who had chemistry with each other and could play off each other strengths. Ultimately, she landed Elijah Martinez from Tyler as Dimitri and Logan Boeve from Ruthton as Vlad.
The Tyler Arts Council will host five shows in total, on July 16, 17 and 18, at 7 p.m. and on July 17 and 18, at 2 p.m. at the RTR High School Theater.
"I’m excited for all the musical numbers," Enga said. "The cast and crew have worked really hard and they all sound really, really great."