ANASTASIA the Musical has arrived at the Festival Theatre after charming the audiences in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. The show premiered on Broadway back in 2017 and has won many international awards. That was preceded by the 1997 animated Anastasia with Meg Ryan voicing the title role.
This production, by Crossroads Live and Opera Australia, is a delight with its beautiful costumes, impressive sets and projections, and plenty of glitz and glamour. Admittedly it is rather far removed from the actual historical events of the Romanovs, but therein lies its appeal. It is a modern fairytale and a gentle romance, not a history lesson.
From the moment the curtain rises, it’s easy to enjoy the magic of the production. It opens with Nancye Hayes, an absolute national treasure, playing the Dowager Empress, sharing a special moment with her granddaughter, the young Anastasia. There are four young performers taking turns in this key role and they are just adorable. It is a gold star to Miss Barbie that they are all training at the Barbara Jayne Dance Centre in Norwood. Another Australian stage treasure, Rhonda Burchmore, is Countess Lily and plays up to the role in her own inimitable style.
The company as a whole is impressive. The ensemble works tirelessly, creating bustling city streets, elegant ballrooms, and lively dances with enthusiasm. They really give the production its sweeping, storybook feeling. The ballet dancers deserve a special round of applause, adding grace and sophistication whenever they step on stage. Sophia Bae, here in her musical theatre debut performance, is especially captivating.
The costumes are stunning, moving effortlessly from the opulence of Imperial Russia to the streets of the revolution and then on to the chic glamour of 1920s Paris. Clever set design by Alexander Dodge and powerful projections, designed by Aaron Rhyne, take us from Russian ballrooms to Parisian bridges and long train journeys without missing a beat. Together with great lighting by Donald Holder, these create a wonderfully cinematic feel and a lively backdrop.
Musically, the show is in safe hands under musical director Ned Wright-Smith. The orchestra gives the score warmth and richness from the opening notes right through to the emotional finale without ever overpowering the voices.
Georgina Hopson gives an assured performance as Anya/Anastasia and has the vocal ability to sing the demanding score with ease. That said, I would have liked to see a little more fragility to really capture our hearts. Similarly, Robert Tripolino is engaging as Dmitry, playing the street-wise cad with verve and charisma, but the essential chemistry between the two seems a little lacking. I wanted more emotional fireworks to really share their love story. Alongside them, Rodney Dobson is a safe pair of hands as Vlad and Joshua Robson shows off his superb vocals as Gleb.
Anastasia the Musical is a treat, a classic musical theatre confection full of charm and chutzpah. Yes, there are a few panto-esque moments but they’re all part of its appeal. Enjoy!
ANASTASIA the Musical, Festival Theatre to August 30 2026. Book now!
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