Kaua‘i students’ musical production ‘Anastasia’ opens in Līhu‘e this Friday

The Kaua‘i Performing Arts Center will leave the tropical island of Kaua‘i for much colder climes on April 19, when it launches a six-night run of the Russia-set musical “Anastasia.”

The 60-minute production – based on the 1997 animated film of the same name – will be staged at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Līhu‘e. It is inspired by the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, who was rumored to have survived revolutionaries’ execution of the Russian Imperial family in 1918.

Theatergoers will follow a young woman named Anya who may be the long-lost Anastasia. Attempting to unravel her past while pursued by a Soviet officer, Anya’s adventure takes her from the final days of the Russian Empire to Paris in the 1920s.

“Anastasia is the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas … In real life, they all get killed off, unfortunately, but in the musical she lives,” said Kaua‘i High School junior Angeli Tolosa, who plays the lead role of Anya and Anastasia herself.

“She has amnesia and throughout the whole show, she’s trying to find out who she is,” Tolosa continued. “I can relate to that: Trying to figure out who you are. I feel like I’m trying to do that as well, especially through high school.”

Tolosa has appeared in five Kaua‘i Performing Arts Center productions since seventh grade. “Anastasia” marks the first time she’s been cast in a leading role without sharing the part – but she doesn’t have stage fright.

“Acting is a natural thing to me,” Tolosa said.

One of Tolosa’s costars, Kaua‘i High School freshman Kulani Borrero, will make his theatrical debut on April 19. He describes his role of Vladimir Popov – a once-rich man now learning to live on the streets – as comedic relief.

Despite never having acted before, Borrero has made the character his own.

“I latched onto my character,” Borrero said. “My director told me that my character was another person, and then once I started rehearsing … I brought an entirely different character to life.”

While Tolosa, Borrero and nine other student actors tread the boards, Kaua‘i High School freshman and stage manager Violet Clark – together with four other crew members – will ensure each night of “Anastasia” goes off without a hitch.

Clark prefers to operate behind the scenes and has ambitions to become a film director. As stage manager, she is responsible for blocking, or ensuring her actors occupy the correct positions onstage; coordinating light and sound; and ensuring her actors are stage-ready during performances.

“I really enjoy watching the play come together,” Clark said. “It was really interesting, getting to know the story better, and then watching us … learn how to do better.”

The Kaua‘i Performing Arts Center, better known by its acronym KPAC, is one of 29 Hawai‘i State Department of Education Student Learning Centers located throughout the state. Each learning center is organized around a single theme or focus area.

KPAC is one of two learning centers on the Garden Isle. Middle and high school students from any public or charter school on the island may join the KPAC program, which puts on two stage shows per year, for elective credit. “Anastasia” includes students from Waimea High School and Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, in addition to Kaua‘i High School.

Professionally-trained actor and singer Carla Kirk has led KPAC for several years.

“I enjoy teaching those skills. I really enjoy mentoring this age group – particularly in ways that I wish that I was mentored: More of a social-emotional aspect,” Kirk said. “Academically and emotionally, I see these kids have achieved so much, and that is so rewarding to see.”

But KPAC’s students love their theater program for an additional reason: When asked what brings them back show after show, Tolosa and Clark said, “Our friends.”

“Anastasia” will premiere at 7 p.m. on April 19 at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall at 4191 Hardy Street in Līhu‘e. Performances are also scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 20 and 21, and from April 26 through 28.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online or at the door.

For more information about the Kaua‘i Performing Arts Center, click here.