With a set so large that it would be fit for royalty and dazzling ballroom costumes, hopes are high for Troupe 639’s production of Anastasia.

“I think that the overall production, when everything comes together, will be pretty impressive,” Barbara Hilt said.

Such a majestic show comes with drawbacks, however. Robin Hilt, Ms. Hilt’s sister and a professional costumer, had to get involved to help get the show ready. Ms. Hilt herself spent most of her winter break sewing costumes.

“It takes a lot of preparation and planning,” Ms. Hilt said. “It takes a lot of time outside of the normal school day to make that all happen, even past what we do in rehearsal.”

Despite the difficult nature of the musical, the students involved aren’t too stressed. In fact, the students even say they have a great time during rehearsals.

“It’s amazing,” Tyler Campbell, the actor who plays Vladimir, said. “I never even thought I would have a big part in a musical, and doing it with two of my good friends with us being together, and everyone in the cast is just so much fun.”

Josh Warner, who plays  Gleb, has said that he is excited to be able to be part of this musical. As a senior, he has taken on a leadership role for the production.

“It’s been two years since we’ve done a musical, and I’ve changed a lot in those two years,” Josh Warner said. “I’m just glad to finally have a role in a musical. I’ve waited two years, and I’m so happy that we’re finally doing one. ‘Cause musicals are what I live for. I’ll do plays, but I love musicals.”

Ms. Hilt is familiar with elaborate shows. While at Garden City, she directed Evita. Like Anastasia, that production had complex costumes.

“You’ve got big court gowns, and you can’t just go out and buy those.” Ms. Hilt said. “So you’ve got to find ways to make them look lovely and impressive without breaking the bank. There are so many things that I think make the show pretty difficult, but we’re pulling it off and I’m pretty pleased with that.”