Anastasia the musical has played to sold out crowds on Broadway and across North America and now it's being shown by Hennepin Trust at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis.
Stephen Flaherty’s script is inspired by the Twentieth century fox motion pictures. Anastasia was the daughter of the last Russian tsar, Nicholas II. After she and her family were executed, rumors claimed that she might have survived. Ten years later, Anastasia is suffering from amnesia and goes by the name Anya. She is persuaded by the con man Sergei Bounine to pose as the grand duchess to stake a claim to the Ramonov fortune.
In the first act, the year is 1916 and young Anastasia (Veronica Raejiao) is introduced along with her family. Anya is hoisted on the shoulders of her father as he sings and dances with her (choreography by Peggy Hickey). All the characters wear lavish 20th century suits and gowns designed by Linda Cho. The palace is digitally set ablaze in fire by the villain, Gleb (Brandon Delgado) who represents the communist regime in a post-imperial Russia. Gleb was tasked with carrying out the assassination of the entire Romanov family. This scene is quite dramatic. Red flames engulf the backdrop and falling debris creates this display of tension and fear as the Romanov family release death hollering screams. The scene of pure evil would be shocking in a family musical forty years ago but in this day and age, kids have seen it all.
Many of the scenes are created with scenic projections including one that resembles the tsar's office where Anastasia is accused of fraud. In this scene, hundreds of filing cabinets are piled so high, its like a visual illusion. In another scene Anastasia and the con men (Sam McLellan and Bryan Seastrom)board a train to Paris, and the moving footage makes it easy to imagine their journey. Maybe too easy. There’s a blur between the physical world and virtual. Because Anastasia is so iconic, there's an expectation by the audience so see and hear what they are familiar with, and the digital backdrop limited my enthusiasm for this staged performance.
The audience did enjoy the projected scenes that revolved around Paris, an iconic city. And as far as the acting goes, Anastasia and the two con men are hilarious. They often poke fun at one another in their game of survival. The theme is consistent throughout and director Sarah Hartmann knows how to shine a light on human condition as far as exploitation is concerned.
Most will remember “Anastasia” for its music. It includes numbers like “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December” sang by Anya (Kyla Stone) who possesses an intoxicating and impressive voice that fills the theater.
The only way to listen and see for yourself is to take a trip to Hennepin Trust. Tickets at https://hennepintheatretrust.org/
I really miss live theater, especially in New York.
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