Come on a wild adventure from the rise of a new soviet Russia, full of crime, poverty and corruption, to the heady euphoria of Paris, the heart of intellectual and artistic life in Europe. The young Anastasia enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat on a journey of mystery into her past, while being pursued by a ruthless Soviet General who is determined to silence her at any cost. An epic adventure to find a home, love, and long-lost family. Only at Sheas Performing Arts Center.
“An irresistible and sumptuous fairy tale! Director Darko Tresnjak weaves an enchanting spell.” – Variety
“Captivating, beautifully staged and emotionally vital. Anastasia hits the sweet spot!” – The Hollywood Reporter
Inspired by the beloved films, Anastasia transports 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 and fill in the empty spaces in her memory. Young Anya is discovered by the handsome Dmitry and his business partner Vlad, together they escape from Russia, all the way to Paris, to play the part of the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna long-lost granddaughter. Perused by envious thugs and the indomitable General Gelb, all while schooling Anya in history, dancing, and etiquette, slowly a bond forms between her and Dimitry, as they finally reach the safety of France. But all is not as they had planned; the Dowager Empress has been hearing reports and rumors about various impersonators and has given up hope of finding her long lost Anastasia. What will happen when Anya presents herself as the missing granddaughter, and what will come of the love that is growing between her and Dimitry?
This musical is based on the 1997 animated musical drama alternate history film starring the voices of Meg Ryan, John Cusack, and Kelsey Grammer. However, this new musical omits the supernatural elements from the film, including the character of Rasputin and his musical number, and introduces a new villain called Gelb, a General for the Bolsheviks who receives orders to kill Anya. The 1997 film was based on the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia and shares the plot of the 1956 film of the same name, which itself was, in turn, based on the 1954 play of the same name by Marcelle Maurett. And all of these various adaptations are based on the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, who could have escaped the execution of her family.
“★★★★ A sweeping adventure, romance and historical epic that piles discovery upon discovery. Its fine craftsmanship will satisfy musical theater fans.” – Time Out New York
“Anastasia lives again on Broadway! The performances shine!” – The Daily Beast
Anastasia premiered off-Broadway at the Hartford Stage in Hartford, Connecticut, where it won 6 Connecticut Critics Circle Awards for Outstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical, Outstanding Director of a Musical, Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Costume Design and Outstanding Projection Design. A year later it moved onto Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre in April 2017, winning a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Projection Design, and an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Projection Design from a total of 38 nominations! The show has spawned multiple productions worldwide.
The stage production is written by four-time Tony award winner Terrence McNally, directed by Tony award winning Darko Tresnjak, Anastasia’s music and lyrics were written by Tony Award winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, they kept six songs from the movie, and added in 16 new numbers to combine with the choreography from MTV award winning Peggy Hickey and the astonishing scenery created by Alexander Dodge, and the costume design by the Tony award winning Linda Cho.
“If you are particular about Russian political and cultural history, you might want to be gripping a stress ball before taking your seat at the musical Anastasia on Broadway. If you want to watch a proudly old-school Broadway musical with the best snow effects ever (thank you, projection designer Aaron Rhyne), however, then no stress balls needed. Despite a closing curtain of narrative ambiguity, this lushly orchestrated, gently delightful musical, directed by Darko Tresnjak, takes the view that the famous daughter of the Romanovs did survive the massacre of the Russian imperial family at the hands of the Bolsheviks in 1918, and-having fallen in with a loveable conman and louche aristocrat-sets off for Paris to prove her identity to her surviving grandmother.”
– Review by Tim Teeman, for Daily Beast.