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 captivated an audience consisting of diverse individuals, all excited to witness this Broadway-caliber musical. The story melds historical intrigue of the Romanovs with the whimsical elements of the 1997 animated film. Amid the backdrop of revolutionary Russia, two con men—Dmitry and Vlad—aim to coach Anya, an amnesiac, into posing as the missing Grand Duchess Anastasia to claim a reward. The stage production's minimal physical set is enhanced by artful projections designed by Aaron Rhyne, transforming the space with sublime visuals, particularly during the poignant "Journey to the Past". Lighting by Donald Holder and costumes by Linda Cho further immersed the audience in the show's vibrant Russian and Parisian settings. Veronica Stern shines as Anya/Anastasia, exuding presence reminiscent of a Disney princess. Ben Edquist delivers a powerful performance as Gleb, a man tasked with erasing the Romanov legacy, while Bryan Seastrom and Madeline Raube add humor and strong vocals as Vlad and Countess Lily. Under Jeremy Robin Lyons's music direction, the ensemble and orchestra deliver a stunning auditory experience. "Anastasia" continues to enchant audiences at the CIBC Theatre through September 25th, 2022.