Anastasia the Musical at Sydney Lyric Theatre
The dazzling Broadway spectacle arrives in Sydney — reimagining the beloved animated film with stunning stagecraft, emotional depth and theatrical magic.
From the moment the curtain rises at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, Anastasia the Musical reveals itself as a captivating blend of theatrical innovation, historical drama, and Broadway spectacle. Presented by Opera Australia, the production feels both grand in scale and intimate in emotion.
What immediately stands out is the show’s extraordinary use of stagecraft. Through seamless projection design—reminiscent of modern “volume”-style environments—combined with cleverly integrated practical sets, the production achieves near-cinematic fluidity. One moment you are in Saint Petersburg, the next in Paris, with transitions unfolding so effortlessly they feel like sleight of hand. It’s theatrical magic executed with breathtaking precision.
Based on the book by Terrence McNally, the script conjures richly developed characters navigating deeply personal journeys against the turbulent backdrop of the Russian Revolution. The staging and blocking are equally inventive, with performers interacting dynamically with their environment to propel the narrative forward in visually compelling ways.
This musical reimagines the beloved Anastasia, originally released by 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios), but with a more grounded and mature tone. Returning lyricist Lynne Ahrens adapts her original songs while introducing new material, striking a careful balance between nostalgia and reinvention. Much of the overt fantasy and mysticism has been replaced by the looming threat of Bolshevik rule, yet the production retains a sense of wonder—evolving into something more emotionally resonant and sophisticated.
At the heart of the production is a superb cast, each performer fully inhabiting their character’s arc with depth and authenticity. Georgina Hopson shines as Anya, the enigmatic young woman who may—or may not—be the lost Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov. Instantly likeable, Hopson commands the stage with remarkable vocal control and emotional clarity. Her rendition of “Journey to the Past” is a standout, delivered with power and sincerity that leaves a lasting impression. Her chemistry with Dmitry is playful, tender, and deeply engaging.
Opposite her, Robert Tripolino brings charisma and energy to Dmitry, crafting a performance that is both charming and layered. His lively stage presence and dynamic delivery make him a magnetic force, particularly as his character wrestles with his con-man instincts and growing affection for Anya. It’s a performance that consistently draws focus.
A true revelation is Joshua Robson as Gleb, the Bolshevik officer whose internal conflict drives much of the show’s tension. Robson’s performance is commanding—his rich, powerful vocals cut through the theatre with intensity, while his portrayal carries an undercurrent of genuine danger. It’s a bold and compelling interpretation that adds significant weight to the production.
Veteran performer Rhonda Burchmore is a scene-stealer as Countess Lily, delivering impeccable comic timing and irresistible charm. Her chemistry with Rodney Dobson’s Vlad injects the show with delightful humour, and she relishes every moment on stage—much to the audience’s delight.
Equally commanding is Nancye Hayes as the Dowager Empress. With grace and authority, Hayes brings emotional depth and quiet gravitas to the role, echoing the legacy of Angela Lansbury, who famously voiced the character in the animated film. Her performance is layered with sincerity, sharp wit, and a poignant sense of loss—resulting in some of the production’s most moving moments.
In a Sydney theatre landscape currently boasting major productions like The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera, Anastasia more than holds its own—it stands out.
This production expands beautifully on the legacy of its source material, offering a more mature and emotionally grounded story that has grown alongside its audience. The characters are richly drawn, the performances uniformly excellent, and the staging nothing short of mesmerising. The orchestra underscores it all with a score that balances sweeping grandeur with intimate emotion.
If there is any minor distraction, it lies in the noticeable use of American accents within a story rooted in Russia and later France. At times, particularly in the early stages, this can momentarily pull the audience’s attention away from the world of the piece, where Russian accents may have enhanced the sense of place. However, this creative choice also aligns with the musical’s Broadway sensibility and its origins in the animated film, allowing for clarity, comic timing, and musicality that ultimately serve the production well.
Ultimately, Anastasia the Musical is a dazzling theatrical experience—visually inventive, emotionally engaging, and thoroughly entertaining. It captures the spirit of Broadway with remarkable confidence, making it one of the most polished and complete productions to grace Australian stages in recent memory. An absolute must-see—you won’t regret it.
- Anastasia the Musical is now playing at the Sydney Lyric Theatre for a limited time — before making its way to Adelaide in August, followed by Brisbane in September. Get your tickets now!
