Inspired by the beloved film and the historical legend, it figures to transport us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past.

That’s what’s in store for the audience when the Northern Lehigh Little Theatre presents its spring play, “Anastasia.”

Show times are at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Northern Lehigh High School auditorium.

Tickets may be purchased at https://bit.ly/4unL7da.

Kayla Driscoll, director, explained she picked this particular show “because now more than ever, I want students to find hope and meaning in art around them. The story of Anastasia is fiction based on a very real and very violent part of history.

“But out (of) that despair came this beautiful idea of hope and family through it all. I wanted a show to celebrate the large involvement numbers we’ve been building over the past few years as well as to highlight some unbelievably talented individuals ready for their moment in the light.”

Driscoll described the plot.

“Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a charming con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat,” Driscoll said. “Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

“With its opulent settings, dazzling costumes, and a soaring score including the song favorites from the hit animated film, “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December,” ANASTASIA is a spectacular triumph of a musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be.”

Driscoll said the cast is comprised of 35 students in the cast, and eight students in the crew.

The show features senior Adriana Danyluk, playing Anya; junior Savion Lopez, playing Vlad Popov; junior Aidan Rudolph, playing Dmitry; junior Jael Gonzalez, playing Gleb Vaganov; senior Melody Lindenmoyer, as the Dowager Empress; senior Lacey Groover, as the Countess Lily; and senior Savanna Tomcics, as Ipolitov and serving as choreographer

Driscoll said she wants the audience to “see and celebrate the art of creation in this production.

“The set that was designed and constructed is the result of countless hours and focus of our incredible art director, Mr. Stephen Shuey with master carpenter Douglas Hunsicker. Alumni Jackson Hunsicker designed and constructed the necessary motors and electrics to operate the turntables. Senior Savanna Tomcics was given the reigns to serve as choreographer.”

“An unbelievable amount of time went into this production and to immersing our students whether new or veterans to our stage, in the educational foundation of theatre.”

Driscoll took it a step further.

“My hope is the audience celebrates and appreciate the beauty in allowing these students the opportunity to shine on something they’ve helped to craft and develop themselves,” she said.

“Some start from absolutely nothing in terms of experience and try to absorb years’ amount of knowledge in just a few months.

“It is an absolute joy and privilege to have a program surrounded by as much love and support and it is only thanks to the community around us that we are able to tackle such a massive tale.”