In many ways, seeing 'Anastasia' at the theatre feels like going to the cinema.
The musical is one that mythologises Russian history. The Sydney premiere also has large, sweeping 3D visuals that make you feel like you’re sitting front and centre at an IMAX rather than a Broadway show.
Written by the multi Tony Award-winning, Terrence McNally ('Kiss Of The Spiderwoman'), “Anastasia” is an adaptation of the animated 1997 film. Directed by Darko Tresnjak, this musical does not have the Rasputin and Bartok characters. Joshua Robson instead plays Gleb, a Russian general and replacement of sorts. This swap means the musical is less fantastical than the original, fairytale depiction.
The plot is still about the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov and her life in Russia and France during the start of the 20th century. We initially meet a young Anastasia (Willa Valaris) bidding her beloved nana (the legendary Nancye Hayes) farewell as the latter leaves for Paris. This is their final meeting as the Romanovs are murdered by the Bolsheviks during the revolution nine years later. And yet, some rumours will persist that Anastasia has somehow survived.
Enter a street sweeper named Anya (Georgina Hopson who is captivating, authentic and has powerhouse vocals). Anya conveniently has amnesia so has forgotten her past. She pairs up with two conmen, Vlad (Rodney Dobson) and the cheeky yet oh-so charming Dmitry (Robert Tripolino). The determined trio travel to Paris. They plan to trick the Dowager into accepting Anya as her beloved granddaughter. Dmitry and Anastasia also fall in love, which is very sweet.
Image © Jeff Busby
This musical is a sumptuous one with Alexander Dodge’s versatile set featuring some high windows. These allow for the setting to be opulent Russian ballrooms, swinging 1920s Paris, and poverty-ridden Imperial Russia, as eye-catching visuals also help to transition between the times and settings. Linda Cho’s costumes complement the different eras, the stand-outs are the dazzling ballgowns worn by the Russian Royal family members during their prime.
The music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens include showstopping numbers like 'Journey To The Past' and the haunting piano lullaby, 'Once Upon A December'. The choreography by Peggy Hickey masters a number of different genres including ballroom dancing, the Charleston, and even an impressive ballet sequence from 'Swan Lake'. Kudos should be given to the ensemble cast for this scene alone.
And while we are highlighting the dancing abilities of the triple threats in the cast, someone needs to give Rhonda Burchmore an award or three. She steals multiple scenes as the Countess Lilly. A funny highlight is her duet, 'The Countess And The Common Man', as she brings so much hammy fun to her role. The show really feels like a breath of fresh air during these moments.
'Anastasia' is an appealing musical for audiences who can suspend their disbelief and not go overthinking the reality of the actual tragic, historical events. This show is all about embracing a fairytale love story for what it is. At its core, it is a Cinderella-esque story of finding your identity, your love, and your family. It’s a well-told emotional tale that is chock-full of feel-good moments. In many ways, this is just what the world needs right now.
