Boiler Bay Beacon
LINCOLN CITY, Ore. – The Lincoln City Playhouse for Youth is putting the finishing touches on its upcoming production of Anastasia: The Musical, directed by Karen Bonelli, thanks to a generous $16,000 donation from philanthropist David H. Elton that made the show possible.
The youth theater group recently hosted a lavish “Romanov Gala” fundraiser on February 22 at the Beach Club, where cast members donned elegant attire and previewed scenes from the show. The event, attended by this reporter, raised funds to support the production, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm for local youth arts.
The gala transformed the Beach Club into a regal affair, complete with a full bar, an array of finger foods including cookies and meatballs, and catered delights that kept guests mingling. Raffle packages donated by local businesses added to the festive atmosphere, with proceeds going directly toward costumes, sets, and other production needs. Attendees were treated to live performances from the young cast, who showcased excerpts from the musical while dressed in period-inspired gowns and suits. When asked about their line memorization progress, the actors estimated about 70% mastery – a figure that proved spot-on, as minor flubs were charmingly covered by quick improvisations or helpful cues from fellow performers.
Bonelli, a dedicated seamstress with a collection of around 300 gowns and wedding dresses, has been creatively repurposing materials for the show’s elaborate costumes. “I want this to be a safe place for kids to act and hang out,” Bonelli shared, emphasizing her vision for the playhouse as a nurturing space for young talent. A significant boost came from philanthropist David H. Elton, executive director of the Shawshank Foundation (and associated with the Elton Family Charitable Trust), who contributed $16,000 to the Playhouse. Known for his charitable endeavors—particularly supporting community initiatives—this generous donation ensured the group could cover essential costs, including the licensing fees and music rights for the production through Concord Theatricals—expenses the organization otherwise would not have been able to afford.
Local favorites Domino’s and Mo’s have also stepped up by donating food for rehearsals, keeping the cast energized and fueled throughout the process.
The cast’s passion for the project shines through in their reflections on what draws them to the Lincoln City Playhouse for Youth. “I’ve met some of my best friends here,” one actor said. Another quipped, “My favorite part is the food!” Others highlighted the social aspects: “Getting to be social,” and “Being able to goof off and call it productive,” as shared by Cameron Werner, who plays Count Vladimir Popov. Wesley, portraying Dimitri, added, “I come for the bloopers.” Tessa Sanquist, stepping into the lead role of Princess Anastasia, expressed her enthusiasm: “How many people I can get involved.”
Anastasia: The Musical is a full-length adaptation of the beloved story, inspired by the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia and drawing from the 1997 animated film. The plot begins in 1906 St. Petersburg, where the Dowager Empress comforts her young granddaughter Anastasia amid family celebrations. The story leaps to the 1917 Russian Revolution, where the Romanov family faces tragedy. In 1927, an amnesiac young woman named Anya – who may be the lost princess – is pursued by a determined Soviet officer. She teams up with con men Dmitry and Vlad to journey from post-revolutionary Russia to the glamour of 1920s Paris, seeking to uncover her identity and reunite with the Dowager Empress for a promised reward. The musical explores themes of identity, family, resilience, adventure, and romance, featuring memorable songs such as “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December.”
The production will run over two weekends at Taft High School’s Commons stage with the following performances:
- Friday, March 13 – 7 p.m. (Opening Night)
- Saturday, March 14 – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, March 15 – 2 p.m.
- Friday, March 20 – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, March 21 – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, March 22 – 2 p.m.
Tickets will be available soon, and the community is encouraged to support these talented young actors in bringing this enchanting story to life.
For more information on the Lincoln City Playhouse for Youth or to get involved, contact Karen Bonelli. This production not only promises a captivating show but also shows the importance of accessible arts programs for Lincoln City’s youth, made possible through generous community support.
