Musical Review: Anastasia The Musical Comes to the LJ Williams Theater!

Redwood Theatre’s production of ‘Anastasia’, premieres in the LJ Williams Theater on February 5th at 7:00 pm. Additional showings will follow on the 6th at 7:00 pm and the 7th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 pm.

By Chloe Falcon-Barros and Beth Musto

Based on Fox Animated Studios, filmed in 1997 “Anastasia“, follows Anya, played by Elle Pinheiro, ‘26, who is an amnesiac orphan living in Russia during the 1920s. And with the help of two con men, Dimitri and Vlad, played by Nathan Delgado, ‘26, and Conner West, ‘27, they journey to Paris to discover if Anya is the long-lost Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna. All while being chased by a Soviet Officer Gleb, played by Emerson Minnick, ‘26. 

While the musical follows the movie with some songs and characters, it’s an art form of its own. The musical adds depth to the story by tying in the historical context of the time it is set. 

The musical begins with a young Anastasia and her grandmother, played by Brynnlie Travis, ‘26, reflecting on their dream of going to Paris one day. 

As the years pass, we see a teenage Anastasia joyfully dancing with her family, but this blissful scene takes a dark turn when a revolution erupts, leading to the tragic deaths of Anastasia’s family, leaving her with amnesia.

The emotional weight of this moment carries into the next scene, where, years after the revolution, Russia finds itself in poverty. Its citizens cling to hope, singing “A Rumor in St. Petersburg,” which tells of the long-lost Grand Duchess who might still be alive. 

There’s talk of a reward being offered for her return, sparking excitement for when Anastasia is reunited with the Empress Dowager. 

This allows Dimitri and Vlad to make a plan to con the Empress Dowager. With Anya’s help, they use the song “Learn to Do It” to teach her how to impersonate the long-lost Grand Duchess. This scheme offers each character a chance for freedom. 

Along with the emotional singing, Pinheiro’s portrayal of a character whose entire identity is lost due to amnesia is shown powerfully when she sings “Once Upon a December,” one of the most iconic songs in both the movie and the musical. 

The sets and lighting are crucial elements in the musical. Before the Revolution, the Royal Palace was depicted with grand walls and ornate furnishings. However, as the revolution unfolds, the lighting dramatically emphasizes the gravity of the situation. 

After the Revolution, the sets reflect a deteriorating Russia that illustrates the country’s deep poverty. Additionally, the costumes are significant; in Russia, Anya and the rest of the cast wear clothes that mirror the rundown state of the nation.

Act One ends with Anya, Dimitri, and Vlad arriving in Paris as Elle sings “Journey to the Past,” another song from the movie. However, closely following them is Gleb, played by Emerson, whose mission is to eliminate any remaining members of the late royal family, although he struggles with his own feelings about this task.

Act two opens up in Paris, the stage is set to look like the streets of Paris, as well with some bright and fun costumes that the cast is wearing. 

“The Land of Yesterday” is filled with sparkly costumes and fun choreography. Lily, played by Lola Sullivan, ‘28, is singing about the good old days in Russia in a bar. Between the acting, the vocals, and the dances, the scene is a fun one, and can’t be missed. 

The costume that stood out the most was Lily’s. With the sparkly black and maroon dress, along with the black lace sleeves, it swayed with every movement, the sparkles twinkling in the lights. 

As the plot progresses, every interaction with Dimitri and Anya hints more and more to the characters falling in love with each other. With the heartwarming scene where Anya and Dimitri realized they’d lived in the palace together as children, also making Dimitri slightly convinced that Anya is Princess Anastasia. 

After a beautiful ballet scene, Dimitri convinces Dowager Empress to go and see Anya, giving her a chance. After being questioned, Anya pulls out the music box, which convinces Dowager that she is Anastasia.

Moving on from that lovely reunion, Gleb finds Anya in Paris, wanting to kill that last standing Russian Empress. The acting in this part is phenomenal, Minnick and Pinheiro have some much emotion and passion, it makes the scene powerful and fun to watch. 

As like all fairy tales, Dimtiri confesses his love for Anya on her grandfather’s bridge in Paris, and runs away together, going to live happily ever after. 

To support everyone who is making this production happen, tickets can be purchased here.

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