By Jeanni Ritchie
History, mystery, romance and music come together in Anastasia, the Broadway musical presented by Theatre Louisiana Christian and the Louisiana Christian University Music Department at the Martin Performing Arts Center in Pineville.
Inspired by the 1997 animated film and the enduring legend of the youngest daughter of Russia’s last tsar, Anastasia follows a young woman searching for her identity in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution.
Known as Anya, the young woman has little memory of her past. When two opportunists, Dmitry and Vlad, recruit her to impersonate the missing Grand Duchess Anastasia, their plans take an unexpected turn as clues emerge suggesting that Anya may actually be the princess they are pretending she is.
Their journey from Russia to Paris becomes more than a search for a royal inheritance. It is a story of belonging, family, love and the struggle to reconcile the past with an uncertain future.
The musical features a score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, with a book by Terrence McNally. Familiar songs include “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December,” numbers that explore Anya’s longing to discover where she belongs.
Kayla Condrey was outstanding in the title role, bringing Anya’s emotional journey to life. Condrey, a senior Theatre and Journalism major from Rayville, has become a familiar face in Theatre Louisiana Christian productions, and her performance in Anastasia was another opportunity to showcase her amazing talent.
Carson Oliver portrayed Dmitry, with Kaiden Carbaugh as Vlad, the two men who set Anya’s adventure in motion. Abby Johnson took on the role of the Dowager Empress, while Joseph Johnson portrayed Gleb, the Soviet officer whose pursuit of Anya adds another layer of tension to the story.
One particularly enjoyable aspect of the production was seeing Tabitha Huffman take the stage as Countess Lily. As the head of LCU’s theatre program and artistic director of Theatre Louisiana Christian, Huffman is usually the one guiding productions from behind the scenes. Watching her become part of the cast was a special treat.
The entire ensemble contributed to an enjoyable production, bringing the changing worlds of Russia and Paris to life through music, movement and storytelling.
While the historical mystery provides the foundation, the show’s appeal extends beyond the question of whether Anya is the missing Romanov princess.
Relationships between the characters, moments of humor and the emotional weight of a family separated by tragedy give the story its heart.
Theatre Louisiana Christian presented the production throughout September, with a special performance October 3 during Louisiana Christian University’s Homecoming celebrations.
As a Christian university, LCU also incorporated a spiritual message into the playbill, connecting the musical’s central theme of identity to Isaiah 43:1:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
The accompanying reflection emphasized that while Anya spends her journey searching for her name, her past and a place to belong, our deepest identity is already known to God.
For me, Louisiana Christian University also holds a special place in my family’s history. It’s where my parents met, making the themes of family, identity and belonging especially meaningful.
At its center, Anastasia asks a question that reaches beyond royal history: Is home a place, a memory, or the people who help us discover who we truly are?
Theatre Louisiana Christian — Anastasia Cast
Principal and Featured Roles
Anastasia — Kayla Condrey
Dmitry — Carson Oliver
Dowager Empress — Abby Johnson
Gleb — Joseph Johnson
Vlad — Kaiden Carbaugh
Countess Lily — Tabitha Huffman
Countess Gregory / Countess Lily Understudy — Malaina Aultman
Tsarina Alexandra — Sarah Payne
Tsar Nicholas II — Chris Payne
Alexei — Ezra Robinson
Young Anastasia — Violet Payne
Teen Anastasia — Lexi Porter
Marfa — Olivia Huffman
Paulina — Ella Gayle
Danya — Jordan Bareswill
Count Ipolitov / Count Leopold — Aaron Quartemont
Gorlinsky / Count Gregory — Nick Aultman
Ballerinas
Canaan Robinson, Lexi Porter, Anna Piro, Lainey Thiels
Ensemble
Malaina Aultman, Isaac Landreneau, Ella Gayle, Olivia Huffman, Nick Aultman, Jordan Bareswill, Aaron Quartemont, Lainey Thiels, Max Warren, Jon Hargrove, Isaac Ashar, Canaan Robinson, Lexi Porter, Anna Piro, Breanna Morris, Ezra Robinson, Violet Payne, Sarah Payne, Chris Payne, Garrett Jeter
Production Staff
Artistic Director — Tabitha Huffman
Music Director — Jennifer Ciobanu
Stage Manager — Kaylin Bagby
Set Designer — Tabitha Huffman
Choreographers — Kayla Condrey, Pamela Green
Costume Designers — Kaylin Bagby, Lisa Griffing
Props Mistress — Ella Gayle
Technical Director — Jeff Young
Lighting Design — Dustin Morace
Soundboard Operators — Sarah Kelly, Jacob Mercer
Projections Operator — Ezekiel Butterfield
Marketing Manager — Kayla Condrey
Master Carpenter — Kristopher Prestridge
Projections — Wass Tech
Sound Effects — Kirk Longhofer
Theatre Louisiana Christian will continue its 2026-2027 season with A Midsummer Night’s Dream and My Fair Lady. For upcoming performance dates and ticket information, visit lcuniversity.edu/academics/department-of-theatre.
