Playbill of The Week: Anastasia

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I've missed a few weeks of this series. Between trips to New York, and life happenings I wasn't really in a writing mood. But I'm back on track and ready to talk to you about musicals! Who doesn't love that? In this post I'll be talking about the hit musical this season Anastasia. A beloved story which has inspired books, movies and now a big Broadway hit. A new princess has graced the Broadway stage and I am always here for strong willed women who wear tiaras.

I must admit I was extremely excited for Anastasia. I along with the rest of the world grew up adoring the 1997 animated film by the same name. I can't even begin to count the times I sand Journey to The Past while walking down the street in the snow, or belt out Once Upon a December in the shower. It's a classic that is deserving of a stage show. I've been following the show since its first reading in 2012. The show had its ups and downs but has finally made its way to Broadway. During its out of towns I was a bit skeptical of the show. The story was a bit more real than fantasy, taking away the magical evil villain Rasputin, which I would have loved to see played out on stage. But you can't have it all. Thankfully we did get the original songs that everyone knows and loves in the show.

Now, let's talk about Christy Altomare our newest Broadway princess. She is absolutely stunning in this show, she plays Anya with such a brave, strong, compassionate presence on stage. She carries herself with grace and beauty and wonder. She catches your eye whenever she's on stage and makes sure you pay attention. Her 'Journey to The Past' is so heartfelt and beautiful. Her voice carries through the theatre with such ease and joy that you can't help but shed a tear. I remember seeing Christy as Wendla in the First National Tour of Spring Awakening. And it's so lovely to have watched someone's career grow and flower. She makes for such a wonderful princess on and off the stage. If you get the opportunity to chat with her, you will see the kindest, most gracious and thankful human being. She truly loves what she's doing and you can see it in her eyes. Her heart is on her sleeve and it makes her performance that much more grounded.

Dimitri is played so perfectly by Derek Klena. His Dimitri has a complexity to him that I wasn't expecting from the character. He gives him a heart and a brain, and makes you want to know more about him. Not to mention his voice is smooth and bright. One of his songs called 'My Petersburg' is one of the highlights for me. He sings with such love and excitement and takes you on a wonderful journey that you very willingly will go on with him. He's someone who's career will be a long and full one. We'll be hearing the name Derek Klena for a long long time. And if his voice, acting ability, stamina and stage presence doesn't catch your attention, well then you can just look at him and you should be converted.

I have a few other people I have to talk about. First off is John Bolton as Vlad. He gave me exactly what I wanted from the character. He gave Anya a teacher and a father figure, and did that for the audience as well. His chemistry with Christy and Derek was wonderful and definitely made the trio believable. He was funny and energetic and just a joy to watch. Ramin Karimloo as Gleb was such a dependable performance. You are almost guaranteed a great show when Ramin is in it. His voice is calming and haunting. He commands your attention on stage and makes you listen. He has one of the most charming voices in my opinion. I could listen to him sing anything. And it totally helps that he's a fellow Canadian. Represent Ramin.

I can't talk about this show without mentioning Linda Cho's costume design. It is honestly one of the most beautifully dressed shows I have ever seen. A perfect blend of the animated film and real 1900's fashion. The colours were bright and vivid, and the ball gowns, oh the ball gowns. Stunning and captivating. I could live in the Romanov families outfits all day every day. During 'Once Upon A December' my jaw literally dropped to the floor looking at all the pieces. Absolutely brilliant work was accomplished for this show.

Now, as much as I am praising the show I do have to say it was not my favourite of the season. Now this could be because of my obsession with the 1997 film, or it could just be the show itself. For me personally the show felt a bit disjointed. The intertwining of Anya's journey, the story of what was going on in Russia, and the addition of Ramin's character Gleb didn't seem to mesh perfectly. I felt like there were gaps and parts missing. Like the show had cut 15 minutes. I didn't feel the chemistry and connection between some characters like I think there should have been. And I have to say the ending was a bit anticlimactic. But I won't ruin it for you.

What I am extremely happy about is how much people are loving this show. The fans are out in full force for this musical. Returning week after week and singing its praises. I'm always happy when shows have such a strong loyal fan base, because without an audience what even is a show? With all the drama that's been going on in the Broadway community these last few weeks, having shows which you can depend on is a very heart warming thing. I'm happy we have a stage show of such a beloved childhood memory and I'm very excited for its future. Also I'm available for Anya whenever Christy decides to leave!