REVIEW — While Disney’s “Frozen”– Tuacahn’s big, splashy (well, snowy) summer musical is garnering attention and drawing big crowds — its less-hyped sister show “Anastasia” isn’t exactly day-old caviar.
The stage adaptation of the popular 1997 animated film may not be entirely kid-friendly, with content referencing the Russian Revolution, labor camps and firing squads. But “Anastasia” is high-caliber entertainment nonetheless – lush, elegant, and altogether entertaining.
Featuring character changes and over a dozen new songs, this musical adaptation loses some of the fantastical enchantment of the animated film, but this critic is always going to root for a musical that tries to bring more gravitas to important historical events, even when its Shakespearean-influenced story is mostly fiction.
With Russia on the verge of revolution, the Dowager Empress (a suitably regal Suzanna Guzman) learns that her entire Romanov family has been killed, and she may never see her beloved granddaughter Anastasia again. Flash forward to 1927 St. Petersburg (the Leningrad one) and we meet the grown-up Anya (a fabulous Kelsey Lee Smith) stricken with amnesia.
Could she be the long-lost granddaughter of the Dowager and her royal Heir? Willing to make that bet, two Russian con artists named Dmitry (charming James Everts) and Vlad (scene-stealing Peter Surace) convince the impressionable Anya that with a little bit of training they can pass her off as the Romanov princess.
The story follows the trio’s escapades through Poland, Germany and finally Paris, where they are hunted by the shadowy communist official Gleb (a wonderfully Javert-like Joe Caskey). The show has two dominant strengths: First, the powerful vocal and acting abilities of the leads, who have a lot of challenging “park-and-bark” isolated solos and who make the stirring melodies of Stephen Flaherty and compelling lyrics of Lynn Ahrens soar.
Second is the impressive set design with majestic projections of the European landscape and marvelous creative use of practical set pieces. A chase scene that occurs on a rotating train car, immersive dancing spirits that flood the stage, dazzling Russian street scenes and elegant ballrooms that host beautiful ballet sequences are all spectacular. Combined with the eye-popping costumes designed by Ricky Lurie, the show is truly a sight to behold.
“Anastasia” makes the strong case that it’s time we all embrace the digital future of live theater. Spectacle can easily dominate a production, but when used appropriately it can offer both realism and wonder with equal conviction.
There’s a lot going on here, and there’s some unnecessary complexity at times and a few too many reprises. But Tuacahn is offering a terrific one-two punch on its big stage this summer. To the many visitors who travel from outside Southern Utah to see these shows we can say with confidence, “Come for ‘Frozen’ but stay for ‘Anastasia.'”
“Anastasia” is staged weekly through Oct. 18 with ticket prices ranging from $35 to $146. Children under 3 are not permitted. Visit Tuacahn.org or call 435-652-3300 for tickets and information.
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