On Sundays, Shea’s Performing Arts Center usually offers two performances of their musicals, a matinee and an evening performance. Diane and I attended the sold-out matinee performance of Anastasia. When we returned home and were preparing dinner, the phone rang. It was Diane’s cousin who had tickets to the evening performance of Anastasia. “They cancelled the performance!” Phyllis exclaimed. Later, we found out several of the actors who performed in the matinee of Anastasia developed symptoms and when they were tested after the matinee…they tested positive. Yes, Covid-19 is still alive and spreading in Buffalo.
Diane and I wore our N95 masks, but we were in the small minority in the audience who took that precaution.
Remember the name Kayla Stone. She plays Anastasia with verve and flair. Kayla Stone sings, dances, and projects her enigmatic character marvelously.
We also liked the two Russian con-men, Dimitry (Sam McLellan) and the raffish Vlad (Bryan Seastrom) who “groom” their young street sweeper to pass as Anastasia. They plan on fooling the wealthy Dowager Empress (played in superb world-weary fashion by Gerri Weagraff) living Paris that Anastasia survived the execution of the Romanoffs…and collect the reward.
Anastasia features luscious costumes, lush music, and a great cast. Don’t miss it if it shows up in your neighborhood…unless it gets canceled because of Covid. GRADE: B+
Wow. Good timing! That’s why (well, no, that’s not why, but it is a good extra reason) we always go to the matinee.
Frankly, I’ve never been interested in Anastasia’s story, including the 1956 movie that won Ingrid Bergman her second – “you’re forgiven” – Oscar. It sounds like you had fun.
Jeff, ANASTASIA was included in our Shea’s Musical Series two years ago. It was “postponed” and ended up being added to this year’s series. I had no interest in the Anastasia story (DNA research showed she died in the Romanoff massacre), but this touring version reminds me of an old-fashioned musical from the 1950s: opulent, entertaining, and fun!
And God knows we need some fun! Diane might be the leader in most performances of plays seen in 2022.
Patti, Diane loved plays way back in High School. Diane and I worked on the YEARBOOK together and I was impressed that she was always reading plays. That, and her red hair, caused me to develop a crush on Diane. But, I didn’t do anything about it until our 10th High School Reunion.
You were exposed. You both need to self isolate for TWO WEEKS. It was foolish to go out, mask or no.
Rick, Diane and I rarely leave our house. When we do, we wear our N95 masks and observe social distance protocols. Our finance and A/C has a HEPA filter. I think we’re good.
I have to go out today to see my doctor, who says “see me or find someone else to prescribe your meds”. Jerk. That’s blackmail. So, on Barbara’s birthday I’ll be at the clinic, double masked, and hell want test and labs to up the profit. Bah.
Rick, I’ve done video conferences and tele-conferences with a couple of my doctors. I much prefer in-person doctor appointments despite the risks.