Anastasia (Musical) Details
For fans of the 1997 animated film Anastasia, there are joys both old and new to be discovered in the musical stage production that hit Broadway in March of 2017. The play follows the same iconic storyline of the film, that of orphaned Russian Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, who, going by Anya, has lost her memory and seeks to learn about her family. The iconic songs of the film remain, too, including “Once Upon a December” and “Journey to the Past.” There are, however, 16 new songs to be enjoyed by fans of the story. “We’ve kept the best parts of the animated movie, but it really is a new musical,” said director Darko Tresnjak.
Anastasia opened at New York City’s Broadhurst Theatre in April of 2017 to strong reviews from critics and audiences alike. “Young women and girls in search of a new Broadway role model need look no further than the title character in Anastasia,” wrote Frank Rizzo in a review for Variety. The show earned nominations for two Tony Awards, as Linda Cho was nominated for Best Costume Design in a Musical and Mary Beth Peil (The Stepford Wives, Dawson’s Creek), who plays the Dowager Empress, was up for Best Feature Actress in a Musical. Anastasia stars Christy Altomare (Mamma Mia!) as Anya, Derek Klena (Wicked) as Dmitry and Ramin Karimloo (Les Miserables) as Gleb. For parents looking to bring kids to a show, Anastasia is a perfect choice. “Anastasia is the richest and fullest family show to hit Broadway in years,” wrote reviewer Adam Feldman in TimeOut New York. “Who knew?”