Journey to the past with Notre Dame College

By Djembe Archibald

Jul 13, 2023

Finale: The Year 12 students prepare to watch the curtain close for the last time on Saturday night. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

An animated classic has been brought to life by the students of Notre Dame College, and audiences are invited to join them on a trip from Russia to Paris.

Anastasia: The Musical follows a brave young woman, Anya, as she sets out to discover the mystery of her past.

Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat.

Powerful performance: Year 11 student Orlando Pati, Year 10 student Luke Martin with Year 12 studenta Tayla Jenkins and Cooper Crosier. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Together, they embark on an adventure to help her find home, love and family.

The show features iconic songs such as Journey to the Past, Once Upon a December and Land of Yesterday.

Year 12 student Klara Fennell will cap her many years of dedication to the Notre Dame College performing arts sector by playing the leading lady, Anya.

Eight other students will take their final bow with the close of this show, with most of them having participated in productions since 2018.

Romanov Sisters: Year 10 student Scarlet Tacey, Year 9 student Tahlie Black, Year 10 student Angela Baxter and Year 9 student Anna Rowland. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The Year 12 students singing their last finale are Zoe Barbary, Klara Fennell, Francis Fabregas, Tayla Jenkins, Tara Jones, Phoebe Layton, Emily Smyth, Mitchell West and Monique Wilson.

Filling the roles of cast, crew and front of house, over 100 students have come together to put on this performance.

Director Casey Fogarty commended the students for their dedication to the production and their loyalty to the art.

Like no-one’s watching: Dance the night away with Year 10 student Scarlet Tacey, Year 11 student Makayla Thorne and Year 12 student Mikayla Urbanavicius. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

“As always, what the audience sees is just the tip of the iceberg,” Ms Fogarty said.

“What they don’t see is the enormous amount of effort these students have put in — they have been working tirelessly since February.”

Ms Fogarty, a Notre Dame College director of eight years, has been supported by stage manager Shannon Orlandi and performing arts trainee Tia Saddlier.

Musical directing duo Trish Baggs, who has directed the orchestra, and Neroli Cochrane, who has directed the vocals, have worked together to bring the sounds of the musical to life.

Choreography has been a team effort between Ms Saddlier and three students of the college: Tayla Jenkins, Angela Baxter and Denni Bathman.