Broadway in Louisville presents ‘Anastasia’ with memorable songs
Inspired by the beloved film, the romantic and adventure-filled musical “Anastasia” opened Tuesday at the Kentucky Center and was every bit as magical, endearing and hopeful as advertised.
With its opulent settings, dazzling costumes, and a soaring score including the song favorites from the hit animated film, “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December,” this captivating musical is a visual treat for the eyes. Described as “one of the most gorgeous shows in years” by the New York Observer, the Broadway musical is a sweeping adventure, romance and historical epic from the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic “Ragtime.”
Louisville audiences were taken from the Russian Empire’s darkest days to the joy of Paris in 1920s Paris as a young woman set out to uncover the truth about her past. Anya (Anastasia), is pursued by a brutal Soviet officer who wants to silence her. Anya (Sam McClellan) recruits the help of Dimitry, a charismatic conman played well by Sam McClellan, and Vlad, a charming ex-aristocrat played by Bryan Seastrom. They embark together on an epic adventure to help her love, find home and family.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, “Anastasia” delivers a beautiful score and memorable songs that evoke pre-revolutionary Russia and the jazz age of Paris, all with a modern flair.
You may likeFrom ‘Anastasia’ to ‘Jagged Little Pill’ & more, what to know about Broadway in Louisville
Victoria Madden, an understudy to Anya, led the cast of the touring production “Anastasia.” On Tuesday, Madden gave a flawless performance that was just as charming, heartwarming, and funny as the character we all know from the animated film. Madden was full joie de vivreEven before her character ever steps foot into Paris,
Seastrom, McLellan, Madden are perfectly matched, and they travel from St. Petersburg together. ErrLeningrad to Paris is filled with heartwarming moments as well as humorous quips. They “Learn to Do it” and bond, while the audience receives a fast-fire history lesson about Russian Aristocracy. Madden is able to see the truth in their dreams and wonders if it will return one day.
McLellan’s vocals are exemplary in “A Rumor of St. Petersburg” as well as “My Petersburg,” where you can feel his genuineness. You could almost believe that he was a street urchin trying hard to get rich while also expressing a deep affection for the country he grew up in.
Gleb, played brilliantly by Ben Endquist, is the perfect villain for a fairytale about a “regular girl” who is really a “secret princess”. Endquist embodies the idea of the revolution as a military man who feels it’s his duty to find ― and kill ― the last living Romanov. He quickly becomes enchanted with Anya, and even though “The Rumors Never End” may not be true to who she might really be, Gleb allows her to slip through his fingers.
His soliloquy, “Still”, is one of Act I’s most powerful. His operatic background is evident in every note he powerfully delivers in his role as the fearsome comrade.
It’s difficult to decide which song was the most compelling, but the closing song of Act I, “Journey to the Past”, is the highlight. Madden sings with abandon, telling the audience “somewhere down the road, I feel someone’s waiting. Years of dreams just can’t be wrong.”
Act II is a happier, more hopeful, “what if?” mood, thanks in large part to Madeline Raube’s Vlad & Countess Lily. Their duet “The Countess and the Common Man” was seriously funny ― and very clearly one of the reasons this show is recommended for children seven and up. The audience was captivated by the sexual banter and several skirt-raising moments. It is hard to overstate the levity of these characters. Raube was especially impressive in “Land of Yesterday” and showed her star power.
You may likeWhen is Bourbon & Beyond 2022? This is everything you need to know about the Louisville music festival
The Act II love story, between Dimtry and Anya, as well as the Dowager Empress (played by Gerri Youagraff) and Anastasia (her long-lost daughter), is what makes this tale one for the ages. McLellan & Madden openly share their hearts during “In a crowd of Thousands”, realizing how significant each one has become to the others.
Later, Weagraff’s stern exterior melts before the audience realizes that all hope is not lost during the “Once Upon a December” event.
The ensemble was truly outstanding, playing everything from post-revolutionary Russians to Parisian ex-pats clinging on to the past. Amin Fusion, who was Count Ipolitov, deserves special mention. He absolutely smashed his a capella intro to “Stay, I pray You.” The “Swan Lake” dancers gave a stellar performance of the famous ballet.
Aaron Rhyne’s projection design is what makes “Anastasia,” beyond the breathtaking costumes, so much more. It gives each scene depth and texture that makes audiences feel like they are part of the scene. Realistic projections brought back the feeling of being in a place.
This show is truly amazing. The show is visually spectacular and lyrically captivating throughout its two-plus hour run. You should take the “Journey to the Past”. It will be a great decision.
Kirby Adams, Features reporter, contributed to this report. Reach Features Editor Kathryn Gregory at kgregory@courier-journal.com. Follow her @kitgregory on Twitter
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Anastasia” transports audiences 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. Anya (Anastasia), pursued by a Soviet officer who wants to silence her, recruits the assistance of a conman and a beloved ex-aristocrat. They embark together on an epic journey to help her find her home, love and family. This musical is recommended to be seen by children 7 years old and older. Children below 4 years old will not be allowed.WHERE: Kentucky Center, 502 W. Main St.WHERE: From now through Sunday, August 7 COST: Tickets start at $46 and are available at kentuckyperformingarts.org.
