A record number 114 local actors auditioned for the upcoming production of 鈥淎nastasia,鈥� being presented next month by 91原创鈥檚 Theatre in the Country.
Among those who tried out for the 25 roles being cast was 14-year-old Willoughby resident Chloe Vadeboncoeur.
And much to the delight of the Grade 8 91原创 Fine Arts (LFAS) student, she was selected to play not just one, but a multitude of roles in the musical that hits the stage next week.
She鈥檚 playing little Anastasia. This is the younger version of the main character Anya (Anastasia), a legendary Russian princess. This character is mostly presented as a memory.
鈥淟ittle Anastasia has lots of excitement and lots of energy. She is also proud of who she is and is quite passionate. I believe I am similar in that regards,鈥� Vadeboncoeur explained.
She鈥檚 also been cast in the role of Alexei, Anastasia鈥檚 little brother and the heir to the Romanov thrown. That role was a bit more difficult to bring to life.
鈥淗e is Anastasia鈥檚 favourite sibling, and they were very close,鈥� explained Vadeboncoeur. 鈥淎lexei is a little boy, which I am obviously not, so playing this character has its own challenges.鈥�
She鈥檚 also plays a few other ensemble characters, including Swan 2 and a reporter.
鈥淚 auditioned for ensemble and [was picked for] youth ensemble, which included little Anastasia and Alexei 鈥� which was a bonus,鈥� she shared.
This is her first ever production with Theatre in the Country.
鈥淚 want to become an actress, and my parents have brought me to many theatre productions including one at TIC鈥� This inspired me to get into drama and theatre,鈥� Vadeboncoeur recounted.
鈥淚 wanted to be an actress at a young age. Started doing background work in TV/film in sixth grade and starting attending LFAS in eighth grade 鈥� majoring in drama. I am now getting into theatre and would love bigger roles in TV and film,鈥� she added.
Asked why she wanted to be part of this musical production, in particular, the answer was easy.
鈥淚 love Disney movies and princesses in general. I also enjoy learning about royalty and past eras.鈥�
With so many contenders vying for roles in 鈥淎nastasia,鈥� Vadeboncoeur was asked why she thought she was selected.
鈥淚 think age was in my favour for the role of little Anastasia. I am also in choir at LFAS, and that must have helped. I think the producer must also have realized how serious and engaged I was about this theatre. Fun fact: I messed up in my original audition for the role.鈥�
She elaborated: 鈥淚 messed up three times in my original audition during the singing of my song. I wasn鈥檛 laughing at the time, but looking back at it now鈥� it is hilarious!鈥�
Admittedly, rehearsing three days a week (about 13 hours a week) for this production has been time consuming and a bit tough, as they prepare to debut Anastasia on Wednesday, June 5.
While it鈥檚 been challenging at times, she鈥檚 loved the experience, including getting to use her ballet training and a being given chance to work with what she describes as 鈥渁mazing鈥� actors and actresses.
鈥淭he singing and voices of the cast is through the roof. The cast and production is world class,鈥� she shared.
Based on the feature film and featuring a captivating score by Tony Award-winning composers Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, 鈥淎nastasia鈥� is a tale of romance, intrigue, and the enduring power of hope.
鈥淭he show will take you through a variety of emotions, from sadness to laughter to frustration to joy,鈥� Vadeboncoeur said. 鈥淚f you like theatre and especially musicals, or you have never seen one yet, come out and enjoy the show.鈥�
This production is under the direction of 91原创鈥檚 Lauren Trotzuk, musical director Jayda Grant and choreographer Tamara Jaune.
鈥淭his is an epic tale that gives the viewer a unique personal perspective on a dark time in history,鈥� said TIC鈥檚 artistic director Reg Parks.
鈥淲ith unforgettable characters and timeless themes, 鈥楢nastasia鈥� is a musical experience like no other. Audiences can expect an evening of enchantment, laughter, and heartwarming moments that will stay with them long after the final curtain falls. Our directing dream team of Lauren, Jayda and Tamara has really brought this show to a magical life.鈥�
Vadeboncoeur and the rest of the cast and crew will present 鈥淎nastasia鈥� from June 5 to 22.
Tickets are available online at or by calling 604-259-9737.
鈥淪o many wonderful voices, gifted dancers and actors are taking this show to a special place in TIC history,鈥� Parks said. 鈥淚t has been just a joy to watch it come together.鈥�
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