If you loved the 1997 animated movie Anastasia, you’ll love this enchanting new stage musical. It’s the perfect combination of artistic sets, dazzling costumes, and soaring vocals. The story line follows the original movie closely, telling the tale of the lost Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, the youngest daughter of Russia’s murdered Tsar. Young Anastasia is rumored to have survived the ghastly execution of her entire family at the beginning of the Communist Revolution and then disappeared.
Two fast-talking con men are on the hunt to find an Anastasia look-alike who they can present to the Grand Dowager Empress (Anastasia’s grandmother), to win the grand reward offered for her return. However, they get more than they were expecting when they find a beautiful young woman suffering from amnesia.
The musical Anastasia is a grand adventure with just enough romance to please the whole family. Accompanied by rich orchestration, the beloved songs from the original movie are all there along with a few new additions from songwriters Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens. A minimal set, designed by Alexander Dodge, allows for awe-inspiring full-cast dance numbers choreographed by Peggy Hickey, and the digital projections by Aaron Rhyne create a dramatic backdrop for snowy nights, elegant ballrooms, restless dreams, and Parisian nightclubs. Costumes by Linda Cho are absolutely jaw-dropping – especially the glamorous ball gowns and sleek flapper dresses.
Bryan Seastrom as Vlad and Sam McLellan as Dmitry both give solid performances, however Kyla Stone as Anya and Madeline Raube as Countess Lily absolutely steal the show with their powerhouse voices. Stone’s performance of “Once Upon a December” is flawless as she shifts from her lower register up into the rafters with a completely imperceptible passagio.
Raube and Seastrom deliver the best scene of the night when they perform the hilarious number “The Countess and The Common Man.” The actors have to pause frequently for laughter which only adds to the hilarity. An impressive addition to the musical is a breathtaking ballet performance featuring Lauren Teyke as Odette, Taylor Stanger as Prince Siegfried, and Dakota Hoar as Von Rothbart from Swan Lake.
On the elegant stage at Eccles Theater, Anastasia is a delightfully warm escape from the winter chill. Masks are required and ushers are diligent in their job to ensure they are worn properly so you can relax and enjoy this beloved musical treasure.
Broadway at The Eccles presents Anastasia, The New Broadway Musical by Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty, and Lynn Ahrens
The George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theater, 131 Main Street, Salt Lake City, Utah
Feb 15-20, 2022, Multiple Showtimes Available
Purchase Tickets at ArtTix.org
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Photography By Jeremy Daniel
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