All I could say through the play of “Anastasia” was “Wow!” and “This is outstanding!” Once again Director Terry Hale worked his magic with a production at the Elgin Opera House that would rival any show on Broadway.

The acting and music were fantastic. But this time I would recognize the work of the technical director, Nathan Harris. The new professional digital scenery, involving seven high-lumen projectors, gave an artistic quality to the production, and Harris coordinated the scenes in a very professional manner.

The background scenery reminded my wife and I of our visits from St. Petersburg to Paris. We had the opportunity in Russian to visit the Ipatiev House where the Bolsheviks executed the family and servants after a year of captivity. The massacre ended the rule of Nicholas II, the last czar of Russia. But rumor soared that Anastasia had escaped the execution, and the Broadway musical was based on this premise.

I would encourage readers to watch for the shows scheduled at the Opera House. I’m sure you will enjoy the action and music as much as we have over the years.

Gerald Hopkins

Island City

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