Redwood’s “Anastasia” invites Elle Pinheiro back on stage for another starring role as Anya.
By: Madi Moya
Anyone who watches Redwood plays and musical productions is familiar with Elle Pinheiro, ’26.
Pinheiro is most popular for her two ditzy characters, with a role as Karen in “Mean Girls” and Scuttle in “The Little Mermaid.” She’s back on stage as Anya to show a different side of her.
“She’s kind of going on this journey of her own. She has amnesia, she doesn’t really know her past, and she’s on this journey to discover that, her family, and a sense of belonging. Anya’s super adventurous, I would definitely say she’s determined, very witty, and very independent,” Pinheiro says.
“Anastasia”. Photo Gigantea
Pinheiro doesn’t see herself as witty as Anya, but just as adventurous.
She says, “I think I can make a connection with her through being adventurous and finding the joy in the small things. I feel like I can make that connection with me as a person and then playing this character on stage.”
Her past characters have been much different from Anya. Pinheiro says that Anya is a lot more serious and intelligent character. This difference has caused her to experience a lot of growth, acting-wise and vocally.
“There’s a song at the very end of Act one that has a super long note, and I’m nervous for that, but hopefully after some time, I can get it,” she says.
Pinheiro’s supported along the way from the rest of the cast as their big performance gets closer and closer.
She says, “It’s such a great community, we all supported each other throughout the entire thing… throughout every rehearsal, every vocal rehearsal, dress rehearsal. We all work with each other, hand in hand. There to encourage each other, lift each other up.”
She describes the play “Anastasia” as having the bones of a Disney story but with a lot more depth to it, more complexities. “Elevated Disney princess. I would say,” she says.
To experience Pinheiro make Anya her own, opening night is February 5th at the LJ Williams Theater at 7 P.M. If you can’t make opening night, she will also be performing on February 6th at 7 P.M. and February 7th at 2 P.M. and 7 P.M.
Madison Moya
Tags: anastasia, Elle pinheiro, musical, Nathan delgado, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers, rhs, visalia ca
