Critical Review at Hennepin Arts

  Anastasia: Disney gone wrong By Jacob Khabie Going into Anastasia , I had little background knowledge of what I was about to see, aside from the stellar reviews I heard surrounding the film and source material for the show. What I saw, however, was a vague attempt at a Disney-esque show that left me feeling quite disappointed. Based on the 1997 film of the same name, Anastasia follows amnesiac orphan Anya (Kyla Stone) on a journey to rediscover who she really is. Joined by two con men, the trio journey across 1920’s Russia and to Paris in a Disney-like fashion, bringing each of them to explore their own identities and find the ones they truly love. Saying that Kyla Stone carries this production of Anastasia would be an understatement. In a show otherwise filled with tacky acting, poor set design, and repetitive songs, Stone brings a perfect combination of charisma and naivety to the titular role of Anya. Additionally, songs like “In My Dreams” and “Journey to the Past” perfectl...

  Alla Killins Anastasia A Journey to the Friendzone Coming into this show, I admit I was very excited. In a season full of unfamiliar musicals, this was one that I grew up watching as a cartoon. The national tour of Anastasia opened in St. Paul on Tuesday the 7th and tells the story of the Grand Duchess of Russia, who may have survived the execution of her family. Aided by Dimitry and Vlad, two conmen trying to pass her off as the grand duchess, Anastasia journeys to Paris to discover who she truly is. However, after leaving the show I had no strong feelings about the overall performance. It was a high-quality piece, but there was no residual awe unlike I'd experienced in prior shows.  Kyla Stone and Sam McLellan, who play Anastasia and Dimitry respectively, are both amazing actors. They have beautiful voices and bring boundless energy to the stage. However, the two actors together had little to no chemistry. I felt like I was watching a high school show in that aspect of the...

  Oklahom-huh? By Jacob Khabie Walking in to see Oklahoma! , the most untraditional choice I expected to see was the casting of a Black, trans woman as Ado Annie Carnes. I could not have been more wrong. Oklahoma! tells the story of a small community in rural America, just before the establishment of the state of Oklahoma in 1907. A Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, director Daniel Fish preserves the original script and score but flips the staging entirely on its head. Marketing this show as “Not your mother’s Oklahoma! ” is a severe understatement, as this radicalized version goes beyond any sensible expectations, creating what could be seen as a confusing yet thrilling masterpiece. From the moment audience members take their seats, they are immersed into the world of Oklahoma! , watching all the action take place in what seems to be a community center. Laura Jellinek’s set is nearly bare, only decorated with a handful of chili pots, dozens of cases of beer, and about one hundred ...