Opening on Saturday, December 16th, in the Howe Theatre, 548 Main Street, Anastasia musically tells the tale of Anya, an amnesiac orphan who may or may not be the daughter of assassinated Russian Tsar Nicholas II.
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
This is another don’t-miss event from Roosevelt Island’s groundbreaking Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MSTDA)
All about the captivating world of Anastasia:
Unveiling the Mystery: As the curtain rises, we encounter Anya, an amnesiac orphan clinging to fleeting memories of a grand past. Haunted by whispers of Tsar Nicholas II’s youngest daughter, Anastasia, she embarks on a journey to reclaim her lost identity. Enter Dimitri and Vlad, a ragtag duo of con artists, who see Anya as their ticket to unimaginable riches. They hatch a daring plan – to present her as the long-lost princess to the Dowager Empress, Anastasia’s grandmother, and reap the hefty reward offered for her return.
From St. Petersburg to Paris: Their quest whisks them across continents, from the haunting shadows of St. Petersburg to the glittering avenues of Paris. Anya grapples with self-doubt, clinging to fleeting glimpses of her past life – a forgotten melody, a cherished trinket, a phantom scent of lilacs. Meanwhile, Dimitri, fueled by ambition and a simmering attraction to Anya, coaches her in the ways of royalty, blurring the lines between deception and genuine connection.
A Symphony of Melodies: Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens paint the story with a vibrant musical tapestry. Lush waltzes evoke imperial grandeur, poignant ballads tug at the heartstrings, and playful, klezmer-infused tunes add a touch of whimsical charm. Signature numbers like “Once Upon a December” and “Journey to the Past” capture the yearning for forgotten dreams and the bittersweet beauty of rediscovering oneself.
Beyond the Facade: As Anya delves deeper into the Romanov legacy, she encounters a cast of compelling characters. Gleb, the stoic advisor, navigates the treacherous waters of court intrigue with unwavering loyalty. The flamboyant Countess Lily Von Shtupp, driven by greed and envy, throws obstacles in Anya’s path. And, at the heart of it all, the Dowager Empress stands as a beacon of hope, her weathered face etched with love and longing for her lost granddaughter.
A Mirror to History: The backdrop of the tumultuous Russian Revolution adds a layer of poignant realism to the narrative. The echoes of a fallen empire serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of privilege and the enduring power of human resilience. Anastasia becomes a captivating exploration of history, where truth and fiction seamlessly intertwine, leaving the audience to ponder the enduring question: who are we when we shed the masks of who we think we should be?
Whether it’s the breathtaking spectacle of grand ballroom scenes, the emotional resonance of soul-stirring solos, or the intriguing mystery at its core, “Anastasia” offers a theatrical experience that lingers long after the curtain falls. It’s a timeless tale of self-discovery, fueled by hope, heartache, and the enduring power of believing in the impossible.
You Can FOIL* It
On April 15, at the Steam Plant Demolition Town Hall, a simple exchange revealed something far more consequential than anything formally presented that evening.
