Howard Payne University students will perform “Anastasia: The Musical” from February 28 through March 3. This musical performance will be HPU’s entrance into the Christian University Theatre Festival, hosted by Hardin-Simmons University (HSU).

Showtimes at the HPU Theatre will be Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 2 at 2:30 p.m. The Van Ellis Theatre at HSU will also host one showtime of Anastasia on Monday, March 3 at 8:00 p.m. as a part of the Christian University Theatre Festival.

Dr. Nicholas Ewen, chair of HPU’s Department of Theatre and associate professor of theatre, is ready for the audience to experience all the hard work the students have put into this show.

“I could not be prouder and more excited to present this performance of Anastasia on the HPU stage,” Ewen said. “Ms. Kristen Faulkner and I have been absolutely blown away by the incredible talent and dedication of these students as they’ve worked so hard to bring this beautiful play to life.”

“Anastasia: The Musical” is based on the life of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova, the youngest daughter of Nicholas II, the last tsar of Russia. The story spans 20 years from 1907 to 1927 in Saint Petersburg and Paris, during the Russian Revolution.

“I can’t wait for our audiences to experience the adventure, romance, comedy and (of course) the brilliant music, dancing and energetic characters of this production,” Ewen said. “This has been one of the most exciting and ambitious projects we’ve ever undertaken, and I hope that everyone takes time to come and support these outstanding students. I promise, you’ll love every minute of this performance, and long to see it again!”

To purchase tickets, please visit www.hputx.edu/anastasia or call the School of Education and Fine Arts at 325-649-8020.