The Russian historical fantasy of Anastasia may just sweep its audiences away with music and magic.
The opening night of "Anastasia" at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago drew a diverse crowd, eager to experience the acclaimed musical. With a plot inspired by historical events and the 1997 animated movie, "Anastasia" follows Dmitry and Vlad, who recruit an amnesiac Anya to claim a supposed surviving royal reward. The tour, enhanced by Aaron Rhyne's minimal yet impactful projections, Donald Holder's evocative lighting, and Linda Cho's immersive costumes, brought Russia and Paris vividly to life.
Veronica Stern captivated audiences in her role as Anya/Anastasia with her dynamic performance. Ben Edquist's portrayal of the intense Bolshevik leader Gleb stood out, alongside Bryan Seastrom and Madeline Raube's comedic and vocal excellence as Vlad and Countess Lily. The ensemble cast created engaging atmospheres, with standout moments from Amin Fuson, whose energy enlivened the stage. The orchestra, led by Jeremy Robin Lyons, provided a captivating musical experience, ensuring the magic of "Anastasia" continued long after leaving the theater. The show runs through September 25th, 2022, at the CIBC Theatre.