Courage and Confidence at YTYP
“Lots of musicals have fictional characters, but this is a real person. This is a very real character to be in. I am just grateful to be able to tell the story of her life.”
Bria Lemoine
The waif was a street sweeper, pushing through the grime on the uneven roads of Saint Petersburg when she met the two fellows. She hoped they could help get her to Paris. She had no idea of the grand adventure she was embarking upon. She did not even know who she was!
The French capital was the epicentre of a social upheaval that saw new thinking splash across literature, fashion, philosophy and morality in the decade that became known as the Roaring Twenties. It attracted writers, flappers and artists, and a few notable exiles—among them a Grand Duchess from a deposed royal family.
In stark contrast, the Bolsheviks were tightening their iron grip on Russia, having seized power two decades previous. The coup had been accomplished with the execution of the ruling Romanov family, extinguishing the bloodline. Or maybe not?
The legend of a surviving princess captured the imagination of people around the world, almost from the moment the fatal shots ended the Tsarist Dynasty. The decision to bring the acclaimed musical Anastasia to the Whitehorse stage is a testament to the courage and the confidence that the Yukon Theatre for Young People (YTYP) has in its program and its people.
It is a project of sweeping ambition, an epic story set to an innovative musical score. A script about real events and real people, set in one of the most captivating eras of modern times.
“I am a huge fan of musicals, and I love the challenge of this one,” says Director Katelyn Morishita. “It is always a scary thing to direct a show. You go in with faith and trust and a little bit of crazy.”
Morishita is a Calgary-based actor and director, but she has worked with YTYP before. Last summer she directed Hadestown and is working with some of the same cast members.
“These kids are really good. They’re quick to learn and so quick at retaining things, so everyone understands the historic events and the words and music.”
They have to be good. These young actors are playing scenes that switch between locations, that require dramatic shifts in the attitudes and emotions conveyed, and they must transition from the spoken word to bringing the story alive musically.
“Some of the songs are so beautiful,” Morishita says. “Some of the songs are really telling a story.”
The production quality and the performance expectations at YTYP have reached a level such that Morishita has to remind herself she is not dealing with a professional troupe.
“I think the biggest challenge is to be mindful that they are young. Acting is a very vulnerable thing. I have to be careful with my words and my tone—keep it a safe and nurturing environment.”
Both lead actors, however, have taken a very professional approach to their roles and developing their characters. “Every show you have to prepare for in a different way,” says Bria Lemoine. “I did a lot of research into the Romanov family, to learn about them and how I should feel.”
Lemoine plays Anya, who may also be the Romanov Princess Anastasia (no spoilers here). “Lots of musicals have fictional characters, but this is a real person. This is a very real character to be in. I am just grateful to be able to tell the story of her life.”
Lemoine has been involved with YTYP since it kicked off in 2019, but it is her first foray into the spotlight. “This is my first lead role. It’s a huge opportunity, and it still doesn’t feel real. I’m over the moon. I can’t wait for Whitehorse to see the show.”
Michael Gwynne-Thompson plays Dmitri and has likewise immersed himself in the characterization. “He’s a young guy who grew up in Saint Petersburg. He very quickly needed to get street smart in the late 1910s, 1912s. Kind of a Russian Aladdin.”
His interest in Anya begins as a con game. “My ability to scheme, lie and cheat … this is the chance, this is my ticket to upward mobility.” But the Russian con man finds himself torn between loving and betraying the feisty Anya.
“They’re both very temperamental. He’s responding to somebody calling him out for the stuff he’s trying to pull. The key is making these bickering, argumentative scenes, playing their frustration in a way that keeps the audience onside.”
But the tempestuous relationship is merely a part of the fabric of the vast tapestry unfolding. There are nobles and peasants, scandals and plots, an evil Bolshevik general intent on killing Anya, and an Imperial Dowager Empress too jaded to see the truth. There are close calls and far-off threats; there are songs to be sung and sets to be changed and, ultimately, a spectacle that enchants, educates and excites the senses.
Morishita says Yukoners are incredibly fortunate to experience performances of the size and scale that few professional venues would attempt in these times.
“It’s expensive, a big, big journey. And they do it for youth. They pull out all the stops. Costumes, sets, lights, professional directors, choreography … YTYP and the Yukon Arts Centre work really hard!”
And that makes all the difference for young people like Lemoine and Gwynne-Thompson; both say whatever career paths they may take, theatre will always play a key role in their lives.
Yukon Theatre for Young People presents the incredible Broadway musical Anastasia August 12-15 at the Yukon Arts Centre.
Some Additional Rehearsal Images
