Anzhelina & Karina — Reading
NMTE member Keith Benson presented his original musical Anzhelina & Karina in a free public reading — a heart-warming story of two Russian cousins navigating love, loss, and redemption in 1919 New York City.
Story
Set in 1919 New York City, Anzhelina & Karina follows two Russian cousins reunited after a ten-year separation. Anzhelina, who served as a field nurse in the Great War, sees the city through war-torn eyes as a “wicked” place filled with poverty and oppression. Karina, raised in a sheltered family, holds childhood fantasies of this “glamorous” place. Their opposing views quickly tear them apart as they navigate the challenges of their new world.
The production showcased the collaborative spirit that defines NMTE, with multiple members contributing as composers, lyricists, and arrangers alongside Keith.
Cast
| Character | Artist |
|---|---|
| Anzhelina | Blanka Melbostad |
| Karina | Ella Rose Katzenberger |
| Sergei / Officers | Robert Banks |
| Boris / Henry | Thomas Berg |
| Mario | Michael Burton |
| Nikolai | Eric Heltemes |
| Rada / Louise | Nicole Korbisch |
| Viktor / Officers | Zakary Morton |
| Rose / Effie | Sri Peck |
| Sadie / Anita | Jaezmyne Pheanious-Browne |
Creative Team
| Role | Artist |
|---|---|
| Composer, Lyricist, Arranger | Keith Benson |
| Composer, Lyricist | Bob Derus |
| Composer, Lyricist, Arranger | Marienne Kreitlow |
| Composer, Lyricist | Mike Nilles |
| Composer, Orchestrator | Bill Kelm |
| Orchestrator | Eric Heltemes |
| Arranger, Director, Pianist | Brenda Varda |
| Dialog Editing | Bob Derus, Mike Nilles |
| Recorded Tracks | Mike Niles |
This show is in development with NMTE and the reading is an NMTE-sanctioned event.