Final preparations are underway for the Sydney premiere of Anastasia, which begins performances this week at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, with the official opening set for Friday night.
The production arrives following a well-received Australian premiere season, carrying strong audience response and critical momentum. Framed by its opulent design and expansive storytelling, Anastasia continues to position itself as a large-scale theatrical offering with broad appeal.
Led by Georgina Hopson as Anya, the cast also features Robert Tripolino as Dmitry, Joshua Robson as Gleb, Rodney Dobson as Vlad, Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily and Nancye Hayes as the Dowager Empress. A substantial ensemble supports the production, alongside a rotating group of young Sydney performers sharing the role of Little Anastasia.
Inspired by the story of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov and the long-circulated speculation surrounding her survival, the musical blends historical reference with the narrative framework popularised by the 1997 animated film. The stage adaptation expands this into a sweeping journey that moves from the final days of Imperial Russia to 1920s Paris, following a young woman in search of identity, family and belonging.
The work is shaped by a high-profile creative team, with a book by the late Terrence McNally and music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens. Their score incorporates well-known songs from the animated film, including Journey to the Past and Once Upon a December, alongside new material developed for the stage version.
Directed by Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak, Anastasia premiered on Broadway in 2017, running for three years and touring internationally across Europe, Asia and the Americas. The production has received multiple awards and nominations, including recognition for its costume design.
In Sydney, the work lands as a visually driven production, with an emphasis on scale. Elaborate costuming and shifting scenic environments frame a narrative that balances spectacle with character-driven storytelling, offering audiences a familiar structure anchored by music and design.
The Sydney season begins from 7 April, with performances scheduled across evening and matinee times. Following its run at the Lyric Theatre, the production will continue to Adelaide in August and Brisbane in September.