For anyone who follows the happenings of the musical theatre world, you almost certainly know about the next big show to hit Broadway: Anastasia! According to Playbill, performances of the new musical based on the 1997 animated movie opened on the Hartford Stage on May 12, 2016, and will be transferring to Broadway on April 24, 2017. Directed by Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak, Anastasia is highly-anticipated, especially for those who grew up with the film.
Here are 12 reasons why you should be excited for the soon-to-be-Broadway-bound-musical:
1. The lighting design
I know for certain I'm not the only one who gets really excited over really good lighting designs. From these production photos, you can tell that the Lighting Designer, Donald Holder, really knows how to pull us into an entirely different world wrought with magic and really cool dramatic effects.
2. The set
Honestly, I've been really curious as to how the set Set Designer (aka Alexander Dodge) was going to pull off several of the iconic scenes from the beloved movie, but so far, everything looks phenomenal and aesthetically AWESOME.
3. The characters
Lily? The Dowager Empress?? Vlad??? Dmitry???? ANYA????? I'm so excited. I can't handle this. There's no way with this roster of phenomenal characters the show can be anything less than beautiful.
4. The musical numbers
The music of Anastasia was directed by Thomas Murray, and with a book written by Tony winner Terrence McNally, the musical numbers are sure to astound. Remember those classics like "Once Upon a December" and "Learn to Do It"? Yeah. Me too.
5. The costumes
Linda Cho's costume design well-represents the imagery of 1920's Russia, and from Anya's orphanage rags to the glitz and glamour of the Dowager Empress and Lily, the costuming is something to definitely look out for. Hopefully she gets a nod at the Tonys for her incredible work!
6. The story
Young Russian duchess loses everything from her family to her crown to her memory. Aging Dowager Empress hunts madly for her lost granddaughter. Con artists search for a doppelgänger to pass off as royalty. Drama, laughter, and romance ensues. Get ready, folks. This is the story you know and love, brought to life.
7. THIS DREAM SEQUENCE!!!
Remember this? Remember how magical it was to watch the ghosts of Anya's past appear and dance around the abandoned ballroom of the boarded-up Winter Palace? I. AM. SO. EXCITED. FOR. THIS. DREAM. SEQUENCE. *hyperventilates*
8. Dmitry
Dmitry is the most attractive of all animated characters. Hands down. Bringing him to life is going to make a lot of childhood fantasies come true for a lot of people.
9. The actors
Christy Altomare (Mama Mia!) and Derek Klena (Bridges of Madison County) are such talented individuals, and will certainly make a gorgeous coupling. Other notable actors, such as John Bolton and Caroline O'Connor as Vlad and Lily, will be joining the two stars.
10. The ballet
Rumor has it that the choreography of Peggy Hickey is heavily influenced by the classic Russian Ballet in some numbers, so watching the screen-to-stage translation of such an important piece of Russian culture will be fascinating.
11. The nostalgia
When I first heard that Anastasia was going to hit the Broadway stage, I squealed out loud. As a little girl, I begged for an Anastasia Barbie for Christmas and watched the movie over and over again. As an adult, I no longer beg for an Anastasia Barbie, but you bet I still watch the movie. It just involves a bottle of wine this time around. Everyone who grew up with the movie has their own personal connection to the tale of the lost Grand Duchess, and every connection makes the Broadway musical that much more special.
12. It's freaking Anastasia
From the costumes and lighting to the choreography and cast, Anastasia is bound to be a hit. Start saving, folks. Tickets start selling soon, and you'll want to be the first in line.
Tickets for Anastasia are not on sale yet, but you can sign up for the official Anastasia newsletter at http://www.anastasiabroadway.com, where you'll be the first to know when tickets are on sale!
