Central City High School is ready to turn back time—and you’re invited. The Performing Arts Center will come alive with music, history, and show-stopping talent as the students of CCHS present

on March 28–30. Showtimes are set for Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are available now online.

Based on the beloved 1997 animated film, this stage version ditches the fantasy and brings the real story to life. Anastasia tells the tale of Anya, a young woman with no memory of her past, caught between the ruins of Imperial Russia and the glamour of 1920s Paris. As rumors swirl that she may be the lost Grand Duchess, the story unfolds with powerful emotion, unforgettable music, and a cast that’s ready to deliver one of Central City’s most compelling performances yet.

“This year, the leads are really carrying the ship,” said Music Director Dane Christensen. “They’ve been so professional and mature— they’ve known their lines since January and have taken ownership of this show from the start. It’s been really fun and refreshing to work with them.”

That leadership is on full display thanks to Claire Blomstedt in the title role. Blomstedt is a force on stage—her voice soars, her presence commands attention, and her performance is poised to steal the show. She’s joined by Fyn Fasbender as Dimitri, whose chemistry with Blomstedt creates a dynamic and heartfelt core to the production. Truman Ryan adds energy and comedic brilliance as Vlad, while Brock Olivo brings intensity and nuance to the role of Gleb, a Soviet officer grappling with loyalty and emotion.

“This is a completely different type of show than last year,” Christensen said. “It showcases different kids and different talents. That’s something I look for when choosing a show—tailoring it to fit the students we have. I think people will see that we’ve put the right kids in the right spots to succeed.”

This year’s production also features a special twist—a live orchestra, front and center. It’s a rare treat for a school production, and one that creates a truly immersive experience for the audience.

“We have a senior parent playing in the orchestra,” Christensen shared. “I wasn’t about to deprive her of seeing her daughter’s last musical. Putting the orchestra in front gives the audience a unique experience. No other school our size is doing something like this with a professional-level orchestra.”

With stunning costuming, choreography, lighting, and more than a few surprises along the way, Anastasia isn’t just a musical—it’s a journey. The cast includes a wide ensemble of nobles, revolutionaries, exiles, and dreamers. And the music? It sticks. Songs like Journey to the Past, Once Upon a December, and My Petersburg are equal parts haunting and uplifting, delivering melodies that linger long after the lights go down.

Christensen offered one final note for anyone planning to attend: “Come with an open mind. This isn’t the animated version. It’s more political, more rooted in actual history. And the music— these melodies are going to stick with you long after you leave the theater.”

With last year’s cast performing at the Orpheum Theater in Omaha, expectations are high— but this group is up to the challenge. In fact, they may just raise the bar.

So whether you’re a fan of history, music, or just great storytelling, Anastasia offers something for everyone. Gather your friends, bring the family, and be part of a night (or afternoon) to remember.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic—March 28–30 at the Central City Performing Arts Center. Purchase tickets here: 

https://onthestage.tickets/show/central-city-performing-arts-center/67c9ef7ab8e945423b934afe/