GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- City High Middle School’s Theater Program transported audiences to early 20th-century Europe in its stunning production of Anastasia. With hundreds in the audience across three performances, the production showcased the remarkable talents of more than 85 students in cast, crew, and pit orchestra.
“We chose Anastasia because we knew we had a lot of strong students who would audition—the program has really grown since we added the middle school musical—so we liked that it had six leads and lots of featured roles,” said Jamie Bott, Director of the City High Middle School Theater Program. “We also always choose a show that has a full pit orchestra as we are one of the few remaining schools that uses a pit populated with students.”
Over ten weeks of rehearsals, students from all parts of the production team built a show, but they also built a family. “Our number one goal in the City High Middle Theater Program is to create a space where any student can discover how they are uniquely gifted to contribute to the overall production,” Bott explained. “What is always special about each cast, crew, and pit is the way they become a tight-knit community, even if they’re not good friends outside of theater.”
The close bonds formed over weeks of rehearsal were put to the test as opening night approached. Just days before the first performance, several microphones failed, forcing the tech crew and performers to problem-solve under pressure. Their teamwork paid off, leaving audiences impressed by the technical execution and the show’s emotional depth.
Among the show’s most moving moments were scenes that brought both artistic skill and heartfelt emotion to the stage. “[One of my favorites was] a scene between Dmitry and Anya, when he’s comforting her after her nightmare, and she remembers a moment in their shared history for the first time,” Bott recalled. A second powerful moment involved Gleb, who struggles with a duty that conflicts with his conscience. Through a moving song “he sang tremendously,” Gleb comes to terms with who he is and finds inner peace in the process. Additionally, the dance corps’ ballet performance of Swan Lake was a significant highlight for all in the audience.
Another standout element of the production was the show’s choreography, guided in large part by senior Naiara Tamminga, who also played one of the main characters in the musical. For her, the creative process was both personal and collaborative.
“I usually choreograph it on myself first, and then I move to choreographing it for whoever is on stage at the time,” Tamminga explained in an interview with a fellow crew member. “I usually have what I call ‘the bones of the dance’ that I put on the dancers, and then I look at what I like and don’t like.”
For Tamminga, balancing her dual responsibilities required careful focus. “It’s definitely about putting different hats on,” she said, describing how she separated time for choreographing from time to rehearse her own role.
As a senior, Anastasia marked Tamminga’s final show at City, a milestone she described with deep emotion. “I’m definitely sad that it’s my last show. I started choreographing when I was in eighth grade, so I think that it’s definitely surreal that it’s coming to an end, but I’m really proud of all the shows that we’ve done.”
For Bott, the admiration for her students is equally palpable. “Honestly, it’s hard to say what I’m most proud of because it’s 1000 moments,” she said. From quiet crew members finding the courage to perform to once-nervous singers gaining confidence, or from the impressive skills involved in creating sets to the smooth operation of more than two dozen microphones, every detail was a source of pride.
That pride was amplified by the fact that City’s production was entirely student-led. Every aspect of the show—set construction, makeup and hair, costumes, props, choreography, lighting, and sound—was driven by students, giving them the opportunity to develop creative and technical skills while taking full ownership of the production. This show also welcomed two cast members from Coit Creative Arts Academy, highlighting the program’s inclusive and collaborative spirit. Ultimately, it is this hands-on, empowering experience that often inspires students to choose City High Middle School in the first place.
A production of this scale would not have been possible without the guidance and support of key adults. Alongside Bott, the show was supported by Kara Degenhardt, Music Director; Stephanie Kirkbride, Artistic Director; Kylan Thureockes, Auditorium Manager; and Katie Hittinga, Parent Producer. Their expertise, combined with the students’ talent and commitment, ensured every performance was polished and professional.
In addition, countless parent volunteers played a vital role, contributing their time and skills to construction, set finishing, props, costumes, and more. Along with generous community sponsors, their support made this ambitious production possible, giving students the resources and guidance they needed to bring their creative visions to life.
Through this collective effort, Anastasia became more than just a performance; it became a space where creativity, collaboration, and personal growth took center stage together. In reflecting on it all, Bott shared, “I guess what I am most proud of is the fact that it seems like each student who participates feels the space to find the place they belong.”
Thanks to the creativity, commitment, and belonging that underscore the City High Middle School Theater Program, theater fans have more inspiring performances to look forward to this school year:
- Charlotte’s Web – March 6 at 7 p.m. and March 7 at 2 p.m.
- High School Musical Jr. – May 8 at 7 p.m. and May 9 at 2 p.m.
