by Joan Gross
Ten years after the executions of Russian Czar Nicholas II and his family, a girl suffering from amnesia claims that she survived the execution and is in fact the Grand Duchess Anastasia. Is she or isn’t she? Is this just, mystery, truth or the ultimate fabrication?
Judge for yourself when you see “Anastasia” dramatized as the opening show of Hillbarn Theatre’s 64th season of legends starting Sept. 23.
As portrayed in the play by Marcelle Maurette, which was adapted in English by Buy Bolton, Anna Anderson seemed to more about the family than any imposter could. The Russian General, Prince Bounine, who found her in Berlin, tries to make her over into Anastasia for financial gain, only to discover she may be the real thing. Anastasia’s grandmother, the Dowager Empress, is the one person’s approval that could validate the claim.
When she was attending high school at Menlo School, Loring Merrick was in a scene of this play.
“The story has fascinated me since childhood. I think the mystery surrounding the story really drew me to it as a child, and it still does today, “Merrick said, adding that there is a real...
She (Kay Susanne Arnaudo) has participated in many theatrical productions on the Peninsula. “It’s my passion,” Arnaudo said. This actress gave up her annual trip to Ashland…
…Craig C. Lewis of Portola Valley portrays Prince Bounine. Lewis, who has acted over the past 30 years at Bus Barn, L’ACT, Palo Alto Players and Theatres Works, also has appeared in TV commercials, shows and movies.
“I’ve always wanted to do a show at Hillbarn and work with Toni Tomei,” Lewis said. “Toni has been great, very creative and supportive in this difficult piece.”
Lewis said he seed his character as a Pygmalion type, trying to utilize the characteristics that lie below the surface of Anna and transform her into this royal princess for his own gain, the fortune of 10 million pounds.
“There are layers to this character. Once a Russian Prince, now displaces in Germany without the pleasures and comforts he knew, he drives a taxi to get by. However, he never loses his imperious attitude or manner, still proud and in his mind, the general of the Don Cossacks,” Lewis said.
Director Toni Tomei chose this play because it speaks to the “legends” theme of Hillbarn this season.
I saw became fascinated with this story when I saw the movie as a child. As I grew older and was able to really understand the story, I just became so fascinated with the history of it all,” Tomei said. “Even though the play and movie are highly romanticized, so many of the facts of the play really happened to Anna Anderson, and to this day I think the basis of the play, “is she or isn’t she?” With a script like this, so rich in history with many resources at hand to study, it makes it pure joy for all involved to work on a project like this. The characters leap from historical pages right into your lap and in our setting. They are fascinating.”
“Anastasia” will be followed by other legendary main stage productions, including “The Secret Garden,” “I hat Hamlet,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “The Sound of Music.”
“Why do legends continue to entertain and peak our interest, as well as our imaginations?” Tomei said. “Perhaps it is through them that we dare to dream and aspire beyond what our own expectations are of ourselves. They encompass our lives as individuals and as a society, and they never, never disappoint us in their unique and rare stories of how they came to be.”
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