Groton High School to perform ‘Anastasia’

Annette Twitchell, Groton High School (GHS) Drama Club director, and her students were disappointed that the show could not go on after months of rehearsals for their production of “The Little Mermaid” when they received word on the day of their first dress rehearsal, March 13, 2020, that it would be their last day of school due to COVID-19.

In July 2020, some of their time and effort was redeemed when parent John Brehm was able to compile video footage taken at that last rehearsal to make a “movie” of the students performing for viewing in a “drive-in movie” style on the outside of the gymnasium wall.

As play season approached for 2021, hopes were high for a return to “normal,” but alas, a complete return is still not possible. Be that as it may, Twitchell had “rallied the troops” and found ways to put the musical “Anastasia” together with COVID-19 protocols in place.

While CDC guidelines will permit only a limited number of students’ family members to attend the live performances at 5 p.m. May 20 and May 21, the public will be able to purchase tickets to livestream the performances by searching for “Groton Central School” through ShowTix4U.com. Each ticket will cost $15 but can be viewed by entire families, and all those interested, in the comfort of their own homes.

This dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire in 1906 to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman called Anya sets out to discover the mystery of her past.

She was found on the street as a child suffering from amnesia and grew up working various menial jobs. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.

The story and mystery of the Romanov family, on whom the musical is based, has captivated hearts and minds for decades. It is a combination of both fact and fiction and echoes the tragedy and loss of a royal family who brought about the end of an empire, while weaving in the legend of the lost Russian princess and the hope that she might one day be found.

For the history buffs among us, https://www.biography.com/royalty/anastasia-romanov tells the true story of Anastasia Romanov and the mystery surrounding her and her family.

“It seems fitting in a year when people have lost so much due to the impact of COVID that we would be performing Anastasia, telling the
story of a girl who lost so much, including her memory, and highlighting that above all, being with your loved ones is all that matters,” Twitchell said.

GHS senior Michaeline Lauchle, who plays the part of Anya, said she has loved the story and character since she was young and feels like she can really relate to Anya.

“It’s such a rewarding opportunity to be able to play such a complex character who goes from fear and uncertainty to realizing she must embrace her courage and keep moving forward to achieve her dreams,” Lauchle said. “It’s been a true blessing to work with such an amazing cast and crew during this crazy year. We’ve truly become a family, and I think that’s why I feel this show is going to be such a success — it’s because we know we all have each other’s backs.”

Chloe Conger, a junior playing the role of the Dowager Empress, said she has “had such a great time this year doing the show. The cast and crew are all wonderful, and even though things have been different, everyone worked hard to pull this show together.”

Playing the role of Dmitry, sophomore Sam Young feels that being a part of the GHS show is always the highlight of his year and is thankful for everyone who has put in so much hard work to make it a success.

“It’s been amazing being able to have the opportunity to work with so many amazing people who push me to be my absolute best,” Young said.

Sophomore Braedy Dilger said, “Anastasia has been an invigorating and engaging experience. It’s also terrifying because as the years pass, we’re becoming the veterans, the ones who have done this since we were in braces.”

Dilger plays multiple roles in the show, including Gorlinsky, Count Gregory and Exiled Russian. Leanna Jackson is also a sophomore and plays the role of Lily.

“It has been such a great experience, and even though things are different this year, I’ve had so much fun and have loved it!” Jackson said.

Brothers Darian and Donovan Mitchell, who play the roles of Tsar Nicholas ll and Vlad Popov, respectively, are both sophomores.

“I’m very excited for this year’s production. COVID has nothing on our performance, and I’m very enthusiastic to be in it together with all my cast buddies,” Darian said.

Donovan expressed that the year has been an interesting one but was confident from the start.

“Knowing the cast and Mrs. Twitchell, I knew we were going to make something work,” Donovan said. “I’m so especially excited this year because we’ve all been working so hard and making so much progress.”

Twitchell shared her hopes for the performance and beyond.

“What we have accomplished is remarkable, and I am sure it will long be remembered by our students as a highlight in this most unpredictable year,” Twitchell said.

Groton on the Inside appears weekly. Submit news ideas to Linda Competillo, lmc10@cornell.edu or (607) 227-4922. 

In brief: 

Take-out ham dinner 

The McLean Community Church, 50 Church St., will hold a take-out-only ham dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. May 15. The $12 dinner includes ham, scalloped potatoes, vegetable medley, dinner roll and pineapple upside-down cake. Reservations are highly recommended at (607) 423-6962.

Draft horse plowing day 

The New York State Draft Horse Club’s 50th annual Draft Horse Plowing Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16 at Fuller Farms, 1002 Elm St. Ext., with food available for purchase by the McLean Fire Department.

See draft horses plow, go for a free wagon ride, see log skidding, see corn planting (at 1 p.m. only) and more. Bring the whole family, but please leave pets at home. For more information, contact Lance Coit at (607) 793-4865.

Library news  

The Groton Public Library Board of Trustees monthly meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. May 13. The meetings are open, and the public is welcome. Contact director@grotonpubliclibrary.org for Zoom link.

The GPL Book Club will meet at 7 p.m. May 20. This month’s book is “A Week in Winter” by Maeve Binchy. Contact director@grotonpubliclibrary.org for Zoom link and a copy of the book.