Buy tickets here: https://www.marianhighschool.net/arts/performing-arts/fall-musical

Showtimes: 7 p.m. on Oct. 22, 23, 24 and 2 p.m. on Oct. 25

From the Musical Playbill...

The Romanov Dynasty ruled Imperial Russia for 300 years, until Tsar Nicholas abdicated the throne in 1917. After months of house arrest at the hands of Bolshevik thugs, he and his wife, Tsarina Alexandra, and their children, Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia and Alexei were secretly executed by firing squad in the wee hours of July 17, 1918.

The Soviet government waited until 1926 to announce the deaths of the entire Romanov family, but only after a systematic effort of propaganda and denial. A rumor circulated that perhaps some of the children escaped – particularly the youngest daughter, Anastasia. The government’s botched cover-up prompted a frenzy of imposters claiming to be the sole-surviving Grand Duchess, most notably, a woman initially known as “Anna Anderson,” who achieved international attention that further fueled the rumor that Anastasia did, indeed, survive.

History, however, relies on provable facts – even tragic ones. The remains of all of the Romanovs were not accounted for until 2007 and the Russian government officially concluded its investigation in 2011 – even though the remains of Maria and Alexei have yet to be interred with the rest of the family. Our fascination with this story goes on.

The theatrical form of Anastasia Romanov’s story began as a stage play in 1953. Another version debuted on Broadway in 1954. Two years later, the stage play was rewritten for film, starring Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brenner. The production you are about to see began as an animated film in 1997. After the story was re-worked and 16 additional songs expanded the score, Anastasia, the musical, opened on Broadway in 2017 for a two-year run and continues to enjoy world-wide success.

The question that most often arises is: If the story behind this musical isn’t true, then why do it? I believe that imagination itself can be a form of healing. No, the musical is not a depiction of actual events, but does it need to be? For me, this theatrical work is how I imagine we would have wished the story to end. There’s a certain uplifting dignity in that. In the aftermath of tragedy, we find hope in Anya’s quest to discover who she is and we, as audience, get to accompany her and those she encounters on that journey to the past to find their true selves.

Many thanks to Marian High School, Creighton Prep and you, the audience, for your support in taking this journey with us. Speaking for the Production Staff, a special note of gratitude goes to a multi-talented cast, crew and musicians who continue to be amazing guides on this quest.

– Michael McCandless, Director

Elza Brugman (Featured Dancer) is a junior from Saint Margaret Mary making her Marian theater debut. She is a part of the Omaha Dance Project with the Omaha Academy of Ballet and she has performed in The Nutcracker at the Orpheum. She is also a cross country runner and a part of FIAT. Her parents are Helmut and Margaret Brugman.

Catherine Buescher (Ensemble) is a senior from Our Lady of Lourdes and this is her third Marian production. She was a part of the ensemble in Grease as well as worked backstage on the crew of Cinderella. She is an active member of the Marian athletic teams of Swim and Dive, Track and Field, and Trapshooting. She plans to major in architecture next year. She is the daughter of Brian and Elaine Buescher.

Evan Chattin (Vladimir “Vlad” Popov) is a junior at Creighton Prep From St. Pius X/St. Leo School. He was a part of the ensemble at Marian’s Cinderella as well as in Renaissance Performing Arts Company’s Into the Woods and Alice by Heart. Outside of theatre, Evan is a part of Creighton Prep’s Thespians Society, Climbing Club, and Operation Others. His parents are Katy and Chris Chattin.

Josh Ferro (Tsar Nicholas II/Ensemble) is a senior at Creighton Prep from St. Columbkille.  He has starred in many Marian productions prior including Lord Pinkleton in Cinderella, Patrick Lannon in To See the Stars, and Henri Marceau in Cursing Mummies. He is also a part of Chamber Choir, Robotics, and Operation Others. He plans to attend the Heider College of Business at Creighton next fall. His parents are Matt and Diane Ferro.

Madeline Fitch (Maria/Ensemble) is a junior from Alice Buffet Magnet Middle School and this is her third year being a part of the Marian Theatre Program. She is also an active member of Marian’s Show Choir, Marian Big Sisters, and Hearts of Marian. She is the daughter of Chris and Joanna Fitch.

Lily Foix (Olga/Ensemble) is a junior from Mary Our Queen. She starred in both To See The Stars and Cinderella as well as Alice by Heart with the Renaissance Performing Arts Company. Outside of the theatre, she is an active member of Marian’s Show Choir. Her parents are Susan and Chris Foix.

Addie Golka (Tatiana/Ensemble) is a senior from Papillion Middle School with an extensive theatre background. She has performed in To See The Stars, Cinderella and The Tempest while at Marian. She is also a part of Campus Ministry as a Freshman Retreat leader, a member of Show Choir as a dance captain, and in Reader’s Advisory. Her college plans are undecided but she plans to study business. Her parents are Tiffany and Greg Golka.

Sophie Golka (Ensemble) is a senior from Papillion Middle School. She has performed as a part of the ensemble in Marian’s Mamma Mia, Grease and Cinderella. At Marian, she is an active member of the Reader’s Advisory Club. She is undecided on her plans after high school. She is the daughter of Tiffany and Greg Golka.

Sadie Grinnell (Ensemble) is a freshman from St. Patrick’s and this is her Marian Musical debut. She starred as Chadwick in her grade school’s production of Elf Jr. She is also an active member of Marian’s Show Choir as well as in choir. Sadie’s parents are Ariel and Taylor Cunningham.

Samuel Harr (German Reporter/Ensemble) is a freshman from St. Pius X/St. Leo School at Creighton Prep. Samuel has previously been a part of productions of Footloose and Christmas Carol. He is the son of Sarah Harr and Brian Harr.

Maggie Johnson (Ensemble) is a sophomore from St. James Seton Catholic School. She starred as Kate in Duchesne High School’s production of Annie. Maggie is also a member of Momentum, Marian’s Show Choir. Her parents are Kari and Seth Johnson.

Parker Johnson (Alexi Romanov) is a second grader at Lifegate Christian School. He was last seen on the Marian stage as the School Boy in To See The Stars and as the Giant in Cinderella. When not on stage, Parker enjoys playing soccer. He is the son of Marian Alumna Mary McCandless and Dane Johnson. He is the grandson of director, Mr. Michael McCandless.

Effie Jordan (Ensemble) is a sophomore from Westside Middle School. She is an active member of Marian’s Show Choir, Momentum. Effie’s parents are Abby and Scott Jordan.

Benjamin Kafka (Comrade Boris/Policeman #1/Ensemble) is a sophomore at Creighton Prep from Mary Our Queen. He starred as Troy Bolton in Mary Our Queen’s High School Musical, Renaissance Performing Art’s Alice by Heart, and Marian’s Cinderella. Benjamin also participates in Chamber Choir, Renaissance Performing Arts Company, and works at The Makery. His parents are Charlie and Jessica Kafka.

Ryleigh Kane (Featured Dancer) is a freshman who attended St. Gerald’s Catholic School. Anastasia is Ryleigh’s Marian Theatre debut! Ryleigh’s parents are Sean and Stacy Kane.

Jonathan Kelly (Gorlinsky/Ensemble) is a junior at Creighton Prep from St. Pius X/St. Leo School. He has been a part of the Renaissance PAC’s performances of Into the Woods and Alice by Heart as well as in Marian’s Cinderella. He participates in Prep’s Chamber Choir, the Renaissance Company Team and Operation Others. His parents are Michael Kelly and Kara Murray.

Leo J. Kelly (Dmitry) is a senior at Creighton Prep from St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic School. He has been a part of Marian’s Cinderella and Grease as well as Into the Woods put on by the Renaissance PAC. Outside of the theater, he is involved in the Kent Bellows Art Mentorship Program, Chamber Choir and Jambassadors. He plans to study Interior Design or Architecture at SAIC. Leo is the son of Mary and Paul Kelly.

Maxwell Kolker (Count Leopold/Street Guy #3/Ensemble) is a sophomore at Creighton Prep from St. James Seton Catholic School. His theater background includes starring in Finding Nemo, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Frozen at the The Rose Theatre. At Prep, he is involved in the Cinema Appreciation Club. He is the son of Jenny Jessen and Mike Kolker.

Francesca Kolterman (Ensemble) is a freshman from St. Cecilia’s Catholic School and this is her Marian debut. Her theater background includes roles in St. Cecilia’s High School Musical, Finding Nemo and Frozen. She is an active member of Worship Choir and the Marian Pantomime Troupe and plans to be on the Soccer team. Francesca is the daughter of Shawn and Anna Kolterman.

Marielle Kolterman (Paulina/Featured Dancer/Ensemble) is a junior from St. Cecilia’s Catholic School. She was a part of the ensemble in Marian’s Cinderella. Marielle is also a member of the Student Board, FIAT Core Team, and the Soccer Team. Her parents are Shawn and Anna Kolterman.

Isla Krings (Young Anastasia) is a 5th grader at St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Elkhorn. She starred as Nemo in the Omaha Community Playhouse’s production of Finding Nemo as well as Molly in Duchesne High School’s Annie. Isla is also a volleyball player. She is the daughter of Drew and Nicole Krings.

Oliver Lampe (Street Guy #1/Ensemble) is a sophomore at Creighton Prep from St. Pius X/St. Leo School. Oliver has been in Marian’s productions of To See the Stars as well as Cinderella. He is also a part of the Choir, Operation Others, and the Speech Team. His parents are Ryan and Allison Lampe.

Thomas Lawler (Sergei/Street Guy #2/Ensemble) is a junior at Creighton Prep from Beveridge Magnet Middle School. He has previously been seen on stage in Cinderella. Thomas is a part of Prep’s Choir, the Soccer Team, and Operation Others. He is the son of Kelly and David Lawler.

Brigid McFall (Ensemble) is a senior from St. Matthew’s Catholic School. She has an extensive theatre background and was a part of Marian’s To See the Stars, Cinderella and The Tempest. She is also the president of Ukulele Club and an active member of Marian’s Choir. She plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln next fall. Brigid’s parents are Angelica and Tom McFall.

Maeve McGill (Tsarina Alexandra/Ensemble) is a junior from St. Robert Bellarmine. She has been in Marian’s To See the Stars as a part of the ensemble. Maeve is on the Operation Other’s Core Team, the Bowling Team and the Softball team manager. She is the daughter of Beth Ascher and Chris McGill.

Brennen Nelson (Policeman #2/Ensemble) is a junior at Creighton Prep from St. Pius X/St. Leo. He has starred in Marian’s To See the Stars, Cinderella and The Tempest. He is currently a part of Prep’s Speech Team, Operation Others, and Prep’s Thespian Club. His parents are Sarah and Kevin Nelson

Sarah Pearson (Featured Dancer) is a sophomore from St. James Seton Catholic School. She currently dances at the Blair Dance Center and has been on stage in The Nutcracker and in the Old Hollywood Recital. She is involved in Hearts of Marian, Decade Darlings and Young Medicine Club. Sarah is the daughter of Nancy and Jamie Pearson.

Lilly Prenger (Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch) is a junior from Christ the King. She was Ruth Stein in To See The Stars. She is a Junior Class Officer, a member of Momentum Show Choir, as well as the president of the Drama Club. She is the daughter of Holly and Nic Prenger.

Jon Richardson (Count Gregory/Russian Reporter/Ensemble) is a junior at Creighton Prep from Westside Middle School. He was on stage in To See The Stars, Cinderella and Grease. He participates in Chamber Choir, Cinema Appreciation Club and Operation Others. Jon’s parents are Sarah and Chris Richardson.

Thomas Rogers (Gleb Vaganov) is a sophomore at Creighton Prep from St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic School. His theater background includes Robertson Ay in the Omaha Community Playhouse’s Mary Poppins as well as Marian’s Cinderella as Jean-Michel. Thomas is a part of Prep’s Thespian Society, Honors Chamber Choir, and Young Democrats. His parents are Jill Thomsen and Mike Rogers.

Dottie Smith (French Reporter/Ensemble) is a senior from St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic School. Previously, she has been on stage in Grease and Cinderella. Outside of the theatre, she is in Campus Ministry as an EMHC as well as an active member of Marian’s Select Women’s Choir. She is thinking of attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln to study Astrophysics. Dottie is the daughter of Margy and Frank Smith.

Chris Tollo (Count Ipolitov/Ensemble) is a senior at Creighton Prep from St. Pius X/St. Leo School. He was a part of Into the Woods, To See The Stars and Cinderella. At Prep, he is a member of the Speech Team, Hope Squad and Black Student Alliance. Chris plans to study neuroscience and philosophy or psychology but is undecided on which college. Chris is the son of Grace and Fiacre Tollo.

Harper Tricker (Featured Dancer) is a freshman at Marian and this is her Marian stage debut. She is currently dancing at Nebraska Dance. She is a part of Operation Others at Marian. Her parents are Scott and Jennifer Tricker.

Bethany Tunink (Ensemble) is a freshman from St. James Seton Catholic School. She was one of the children in Marian’s White Christmas production. She is involved in Reader’s Advisory, Worship Choir and Band. Bethany’s parents are Stacy and Don Tunink.

Caroline Villier (Featured Dancer) is a freshman from St. Margaret Mary and this is her Marian theater debut. She was on stage in The Nutcracker at the Orpheum and the Hoff Family Center. She has also been a part of the Heartland Youth Showcase. Caroline is the daughter of Margaret and Matthew Villier.

Maddie Wallace (Marfa/Ensemble) is a sophomore from St. Margaret Mary. She was on stage in Marian’s Cinderella as well as in the Omaha Film Festival. She participates in Lacrosse, Select Women’s Choir, and the Swim Team. Her parents are Kathleen and Lowell Wallace.

Jillian White (Countess Gregory/Ensemble) is a sophomore from St. Vincent de Paul. She has performed in Cinderella as a part of the ensemble. She is involved in Show Choir and Select Women’s Choir. She is the daughter of Adam and Jennifer White.

Elise Willson (Anya (Anastasia)) is a junior from St. Albert Catholic Grade School. Her theater experience includes her role in the ensemble of Marian’s Cinderella. She is also a part of Marian’s Student Board, FIAT Core Team and Marian Pantomime Troupe. Her parents are Sarah and Tyler Willson.

Emma Zubia (Ensemble) is a sophomore from St. Stephen the Martyr. Outside of the theatre, she is involved in Marian’s Show Choir, Momentum. Emma’s parents are Sasha and Ramon Zubia.

Student Stage Managers

Violet Christen is a senior from St. Pius X/St. Leo School and this is her fourth Marian production as Student Stage Manager. She is a part of Marian’s Speech Team, Freshman Retreat Core Team and Operation Others Core Team. She is undecided on the college that she would like to attend but hopes to study environmental science. She is the daughter of Jen and Blaine Christen.

Elana Peklo is a junior from St. James Seton Catholic School. She has played an active role in Marian’s past productions of Cinderella, To See the Stars and Grease. She participates in Big Sisters, Ambassadors and Decade Darlings. Her parents are Andrew and Kerry Peklo.

Cast Photos by Kate Berthelsen; Biographical information provided by cast members; Compiled by Ashley Bialas.