Anastasia: The Musical Comes to LCC: Meet the Performers Bringing the Story to Life
By: Cailyn Kennedy
This summer, journey through time with Anastasia: The Musical as it takes center stage at Lenoir Community College’s Briley Auditorium. Based on the beloved animated film and the legendary mystery of the Romanov family, the show follows Anya, a young woman with no memory of her past, as she teams up with two schemers to discover her true identity. From the shadows of post-revolutionary Russia to the glitz of 1920s Paris, Anastasia is a sweeping adventure filled with breathtaking music, emotional discovery, and the enduring search for home.
The production, directed by LCC’s Jessica Cruz, will run July 11–13 and July 18–20 in the Briley Auditorium on the Turner Stage. As part of the Lenoir Community College Performing Arts Series, the show invites audiences of all ages to step into a world of romance, resilience, and royal intrigue. Tickets are available now at www.lenoircc.edu/lccfpa. Ticket prices are as follows: orchestra seating – $20.00, standard seating – $15.00, accessible seating – $15.00, and student standard seating (ages 4–17 or 18+ with student ID) – $10.00.
Portraying Olga Romanov and the Black Swan is 13-year-old Lillian Martin, who brings both elegance and energy to the stage. A competitive dancer with Limited DanceWorks, Martin shines in every style—but jazz holds a special place in her heart. This marks her third LCCFPA production, and as soon as the final curtain falls, she’s off to Las Vegas to train with the Joffrey Ballet. Her dream? To dance professionally after high school—and she’s already well on her way.
Aaron Williams, who plays Count Ipolitov and Count Leopold, returns to the LCC stage with charm and enthusiasm. A La Grange native, Williams is known for his roles in Memphis (RTP, 2024/2025), Hello, Dolly! (LCCFPA, 2024), and School of Rock (LCCFPA, 2023). His rich performance background and love for the stage bring added depth to the world of Anastasia, and he’s especially thankful to the community that continues to support the arts.
As Maria Romanov, Anna Hull brings warmth and spirit to the ensemble. This is her second show with LCC, and audiences may recognize her as Sandy in Grease at NCBT. With a love for performing and a clear passion for storytelling, Hull is thrilled to be working with such a talented cast and hopes audiences enjoy the journey as much as she has.
In the dual roles of Teen Anya and the White Swan, Gianna Cruz lights up the stage with grace and personality. Offstage, she’s just as vibrant—whether snacking on Takis, hanging with her siblings, or perfecting her skincare routine. Cruz’s joyful energy and commitment to the ensemble make her a standout in every scene.
Rounding out this cast spotlight is Gabby Cruz, appearing as Tatiana Romanov and Countess Gregory. A familiar face at LCCFPA, she has performed in Hello, Dolly!, White Christmas, and Matilda. She’s not only passionate about performing, but also about choreography, contributing to the creative heartbeat of each production. Sharing the stage with her friends and family makes this performance all the more meaningful.
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