Colony High School presents 'Anastasia: the Musical’

PALMER — Colony High School’s drama department is debuting a local adaptation of “Anastasia: the Musical” at the Glenn Massay Theater Thursday, Feb. 24.

Over 80 students are involved in the cast and crew, according to director Kelly Rentz. She said they’re ready to put on an unforgettable performance.

“They’re amazing. From the first day of auctions I was blown away,” Rentz said. “I knew they would be a team from the beginning.”

Rentz teaches drama, choir and color guard at CHS. She said this is the first musical she’s ever directed.

“It’s a lot more details,” she said with a laugh.

Rentz said she’s thankful her students have the opportunity to perform at the Glenn Massay Theater with its high quality equipment and professional setup.

“It’s so beautiful,” Rentz said.

The CHS drama department usually puts on four shows a year. She said the pandemic has been a challenge to work around, particularly during the earlier stages when the actors had to wear masks.

She said things are getting better but they still can only fill a third of the seats due to the Glenn Massay Theater’s mitigation policy. She said her students have really stepped up to make the most of the circumstances.

“They’re in 100 percent all of the time. They make the time worth it,” Rentz said.

Rentz said they featured a lot of first time performers including young children from the community who play alongside their high school counterparts.

“It’s so cool to watch these kids have that experience.

Rentz said that her favorite part of teaching high school drama is seeing the students grow and take on leadership roles. She said the cast and crew is very invested in this play and that will be evident for the public to see during each performance.

“It’s so great to see that growth. It’s been really fun to see,” Rentz said.

“Anastasia: the Musical” is based on the 1997 animated film which in turn is based on the real life legend of Anastasiya Nikolayevna, the Grand Duchess of Russia, who was rumored to have survived an attack by Bolshevik revolutionaries that wiped out her whole family. Modern DNA testing revealed that she was in fact killed along with her family, but the allure of the long told story lives on.

Rentz said the play features a lot of big music and dance numbers and it will be an entertaining evening for all ages.

“I think people love a good mystery,” Rentz said.

“Anastasia: the Musical” runs from February 24 through March 12. Tickets can be purchased online at glennmassaytheater.com.

Attendees are required to wear masks and stay six feet apart for social distancing.

For more information, call 907-746-9350.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com