"Anastasia" to hit the stage in Pullman

PULLMAN - Several locals will appear in the Regional Theatre of the Palouse production of "Anastasia".

Associate Director Michael Todd said the theatre has been around since 2007. "We're always pushing the envelope," he said, noting that the production of Anastasia just recently became available for license.

According to Todd other than the national tour of the musical, a production of "Anastasia" has yet to be done in the state of Washington by any theatre or in the Northwest, according to his research. "So that's really exciting," Todd said.

"We're a nonprofit made up of a committed team of board members," noting that their mission as a nonprofit is to promote the arts and arts education through the theatre.

Todd said that the productions often have a mix of local and national talents, and it's a great training ground for artists of all ages.

"In 'Anastasia,' we have children and seniors working together as a cast of artists, and they're doing a phenomenal job," Todd said.

"Anastasia" sees a wide variety of local talent, with Colfax local Elizabeth Harwood portraying Tatiana Romanov as well as in the female ensemble.

Pullman local Jude Anderson portrays Tsarevich Alexei Romanov and is in the child ensemble.

Also from Pullman, Annika Vanaken will debut on the RTOP stage as child Anastasia.

Monica Evans, 27, of Moscow, will portray Tsarina Maria Romanov and play a female ensemble. "One of the best things I've found about theatre is it helps you find community as a performer," Evans said, adding that she has met some of her best friends in the surrounding communities.

Evans said it is worth anyone's time in the community to audition for an RTOP production and that all you need is a piece of music. "Both the local and professional performers are bringing their all," Evans said.

Garrett McClure, 22, of Moscow, has performed with RTOP since he was four. "It's honestly one of my favorite places that I can meet a diverse group of people," McClure said, adding that he has gotten to know many people in the community, and they all have different interests out of the theatre.

McClure mentioned that it is fantastic to meet people who are not local, participate in the productions, and learn from their experiences.

Other actors involved are from New Jersey, Colorado, and New York.

Todd will appear on stage as Tsar Nicholas Romanov II.

Todd said that locals involved attended the theatre's open call auditions, "anyone can get involved in RTOP," he said, adding that they also feature weekly classes and summer camps.

"We have open auditions for Beautiful," Todd said, noting that they'll be putting on the Broadway musical about Carole King.

"We've had people from Colfax, Albion, Palouse," Todd said, noting that they feature people from outside of the area who submit virtual tapes, as well as people from Lewiston/Clarkston, Deery, and Troy who come to participate in the shows.

Opening night of Anastasia is set for Thursday, Feb. 8, with showtimes through Sunday, Feb. 18.