Journey to the Past

In a very busy year for new Broadway musicals, Anastasia rises above as a new musical that pays homage to the traditions of musical theater. Perhaps Tony nominating voters didn't see it that way or maybe there were just too many shows to choose from this year, but I found it to be a completely entertaining evening. The incredible writing team behind Ragtime joined forces again for another musical set MANY miles away from America and almost 100 years ago. Actually, Anastasia takes place during 1907, 1917, and 1927 telling the story of the demise of the Romanov family in Saint Petersburg, Russia and one woman's journey to find out if she is the long lost child from that family. The story has been told in a few films (including a cartoon in the late 1990s) and Terrence McNally used both sources to create the book while Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens added to the songs they had already created for that '97 film. No one writes a score like those two. Always melodic, with a pulsing/driving beat, and lyrics that land correctly in a phrase. (Note: this score should have been nominated over Groundhog Day for Best Score.)

Christy Altomare plays the title character and is a delight on stage. Adorable, charming, and a voice to die for. Derek Klena is the young man that decides to groom her to 'pretend' to be Anastasia (along with John Bolton showing all is comic wit on stage) as the two launch into a My Fair Lady story of turning this street sweeper into the princess. There is true joy when the three of them are onstage creating a family on their journey from Russia to Paris (where the grandmother of Anastasia now resides).
Mary Beth Peil is the only performer to receive a Tony nom as the grandmother who carries love and pain over the loss of her entire family. Caroline O'Connor (who I loved in A Christmas Story and I decided is the 2000s version of Sally Mayes) shows up in Act 2 as the Countess Lily who watches over Dowager Empress and boy are we glad she does. Every choice this actress makes is exceptional in her comic timing. (I want to see her play Dolly at some point.) She and Bolton are a wonderful pair.  The writers decided to venture away from the cartoon which had a creepy Rasputin (and a talking bat) and instead gave us a handsome villain played by Ramin Karimloo. The son of the Russians who brought down the Romanov family must decide if he's his father's son and bring this imposter Anastasia to the same justice/fate. He is given incredible songs to display his talent...I just wish they would have worked on his character more to either create a true love triangle or just make him another Javert-type man chasing someone for stealing a loaf of bread. 
I usually hate projections on Broadway, but MAN do they work beautifully in this show. Aaron Rhyne has created those to work so well with Alexander Dodge's set and Donald Holder's lighting that it truly feels magical. (Plus it made me relive my trips when I've gone to both Saint Petersburg and Paris.) I also believe Linda Cho should win the Tony for her costume design: stunning. Kudos to director Darko Tresnjak too!
The show runs a little long, but in another season - it would be the talk of Broadway. Unfortunately, there were just too many shows this year, though they did walk away with 9 Drama Desk Awards nominations and 13 Outer Critics Awards noms. From the sound of the women in the audience that recall the cartoon film from their childhood - I think they've landed in Wicked territory and this show could run for a while. I know my oldest two nieces (both in their 20s) love the film and can't wait to see it on Broadway someday too. This is a journey you definitely don't want to pass up! 
My own journey to the past: Saint Petersburg 2009 with my hubby Paris 2014 with my niece