Anastasia, the new musical, seeks to be more than a journey to the past. As the characters slowly peel back the layers, does that past reveal a true self?
As the curtain falls on act one, Anastasia, the musical, ends with its most well-known song, “Journey to the Past.” While the characters journey through the memories of what was, the audience is left questioning does the past really hold the answers for the future? In the current stage adaptation of the classic Russian princess story, the underlying theme is discovering one’s true self.
Currently playing at Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, the national tour of Anastasia seems to try to capture those classic princess moments that fill many little girls’ dreams. Orphaned Anastasia, devoid of childhood memories, aspires to find that connection to her past. However, the journey might be more revealing than the culmination.
Some might remember 20th Century Fox’s animated version of this story, including iconic tunes such as “Journey to the Past.” Where the movie balanced the dark, sometimes frightening past with hope for the future, the musical wishes to keep the pessimism under wraps.
The musical seeks to focus on the characters, but this may hinder the story, as more melancholy moments make these characters more endearing to watch. Anastasia‘s highs and lows could use more peaks and valleys for the audience to be invested in these characters’ plights.
As the musical opens, the audience sees Russia’s transformation. The czar and his family have been killed and a new government has taken over. From country of us vs. them (royalty vs. commoner) to a Communist regime (all are comrades), the setting needs more bleakness for everyone to believe in the starkness of this new reality. If Anastasia has truly fallen so far from the peak of splendor, she needs to convey that grit.
Anastasia’s national touring company. Image provided by Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando
It is not to say that this musical needs to be filled with darkness, but it needs more of an edge. Just like the Disney Princess movies where the evil is so extreme, everyone is routing for the happy ending, this musical needs a bit more punch of badness. Dmitry needs to be more cunning, Gleb needs to be more sinister and Anastasia needs to be more hopeful.
Like any princess in plight, the audience wants her to have that happy ending. But, that happiness needs to come at a cost. In the scene where Anastasia and the Dowager Empress sing the lullaby together, everyone yearns for a feeling of elation. Although the mystery has been solved, the happily ever after isn’t quite fulfilled. That moment has more of a slow sizzle than a huge explosion.
Anastasia’s national touring company. Image provided by Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando
In truth, the supporting characters hold the biggest personalities (and show stopping numbers) in the show. The comedic dance between Vlad and Countess Lily invites the audience into rekindled romance, however strange it might be. Still, that big moment of levity is welcomed by everyone. It makes the audience cheer for happiness and want everyone to achieve their happily ever after.
Even the Dowager Empress holds the audience in the palm of her hand. While she has aspects of the traditional grandmother roles, she finds a way to play the slightly intimidating, partial curmudgeon as a just a façade to protect her already broken heart. Because of this, everyone wishes that she can find a way to heal it.
In some ways, the more relatable story isn’t the lost Russian princess who may or may not be alive. As the ensemble sings “Stay, I Pray for You,” the audience is reminded that who you become is always tied with who are. Although people might be forced from their homeland, their birthplace is forever part of them.
Anastasia’s national touring company. Image provided by Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando
Given today’s tumultuous environment, starting over in a new land is more than just a physical trip. It is an exploration of past, present and future. Without understanding who we were, we will never be able to determine who we can become.
While Anastasia offers impressive visuals to capture the feel of this moment in the past, the audience should be reminded that the past often repeats itself. Although everyone wishes for the happily ever after, that happiness is so bright only because the sadness was so dark.
Anastasia is currently on a national tour. It plays Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando through May 19. The national tour has dates through September 2020.