There’s no generational nostalgia on my part for “Anastasia,” the 1997 film from legendary animation director Don Bluth. I first saw the movie a year or so after its release, while in college, and for a second time a year or so ago at a screening at Rochester’s own Little Theatre. But what I would call a minor screen delight translates superbly to the stage, in particular the current production on display through June 28 at Geva Theatre.
Plot mechanics aren’t all that important, but to summarize: it’s Russia in the early 1900s, and in the midst of rebellion, the dynastic Romanovs have been murdered, except for the Dowager Empress (a grand Debra Cardona), who has already fled to Paris. Years pass, and a rumor (in St. Petersburg) circulates about the survival of one daughter, Anastasia. Yes, this show hinges on gossip! Two con men are among those looking to capitalize on the potential fortune behind unearthing a lost royal when they meet Anya (a spunky and determined Quynh-My Luu), a young woman with few memories about her past. Is she the real deal or just capable of selling the lie? Following closely behind is a young officer (Adam Rennie) torn between duty and self.
The story proceeds as it must — with a standoff and a romance and some fairly winning hijinks — and the small ensemble far exceeds any expectations placed upon them. As Dmitry, the younger of the pair looking to swindle the Countess, Jeffrey Kringer hits his marks and his notes with an actual twinkle in his eye and emits such raw, charming “Newsies” energy (compliment) that I was shocked not to have found it as a previous credit in his bio. His chemistry with Luu is sweet and earnest as it must be in an adaptation from a 90s cartoon, and when they complete their trio with Brian Vaughn’s Vlad, the show soars into “My Fair Lady” heights. Vaughn continues to steal scenes in the second act when he’s reunited with Lily (Tiffany Topol), a former love and current lady-in-waiting to the Countess.
“Anastasia” scales well to Geva’s stage, often a concern for any show that needs to portray crowds or opulence. A segmented, two-tiered set does commendable work as ballroom windows, train station tracks, opera boxes, and more, including several silhouetted pantomimes standing in for flashbacks and fragments of memory.
Both the movie and the stage musical “Anastasia” sport music and lyrics from Broadway heavy hitters Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens — and their pedigree shows. Motifs abound in the score, reinforcing the interrogation of what tune you just heard and of memories just out of reach. Songs like “Once Upon a December” and “Journey to the Past” are performed so beautifully and with such skill that they embed themselves deeply into your brain as if they’ve always belonged there.
If you’re cautious about trusting reviews, know this: many, many members of the audience on opening night were humming themselves out of the building after the show’s conclusion — with one woman going so far as to pull up the original Broadway cast album on Spotify before leaving the theater proper. Much like Anya, your journey awaits — and with tickets in hand, you’ll be richly rewarded.
“Anastasia: The Musical” runs through June 28 at Geva Theatre. Tickets and more info here.
Johanna Lester is a pop culture critic who mainlines movies, TV and the best cookies Rochester has to offer. She’ll also hold that grudge on your behalf. Follow her @theauntjojo.
