Posted: 2/5/19 at 10:13pm
I thought it was a decent show and it had a great run, breaking out early in a crowded season. It will surely be a huge hit in the regional/amateur/high school arena when licensing is available.
Posted: 2/5/19 at 10:33pm
My first reaction was 'what shows close in March these days (besides limited engagements)'. But I assume that JBroadway is right-on. The Barrymore and the Broadhurst are two prime theaters, and are likely to be sucked up first opportunity.
As for the show, I have to admit that I was bored out of my mind. The only thing I remember with fondness was, to my surprise, the basic set complemented by the best projections I have seen on a theatre stage. I certainly would not recommend that anyone go to see the projections.
I remain amazed that it will have run for two years.
Posted: 2/5/19 at 10:38pm
Posted: 2/6/19 at 12:18am
According to the NY Times "The show was capitalized for up to $15 million, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission; it has not recouped its capitalization costs."
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/05/theater/anastasia-musical-closing.html
I just saw this this past weekend, and could not agree more with RippedMan re: the ending. It's based on that cartoon, I would've been fine with a cartoonish ending of Dimitri wrestling him to the ground or something. Great score, but I am excited for the creative team's Marie (formerly Little Dancer) this spring in Seattle.
Posted: 2/6/19 at 1:26am
Not sure about running costs, but I hope that it came close to recoupment.
Posted: 2/6/19 at 3:33am
The Forbes article posted here from last October was a lot of wishful thinking - it had no basis in fact.
Posted: 2/6/19 at 7:32am
I wish they produced this musical back in the late 90s or early 00s when the animated feature film was more popular.
Regardless it had a good run. I saw the show twice and enjoyed it but did feel parts seemed too long and was confused at first with the Gleb character since I didn't remember him from the animated film.
Posted: 2/6/19 at 7:41am
Anyone else think Christy should open the show on the West End or should she move on to other projects.
Posted: 2/6/19 at 8:04am
I think I've said this before and I'm sorry if I'm being repetitive, but apart from the grosses, maybe they also figured they couldn't find someone like Christy. She truly is one of a kind and I can't think of anyone who could have replaced her.
Posted: 2/6/19 at 9:45am
everythingtaboo said: "I can kind of understand shows closing around Easter weekend, but all of these shows closing during the middle of a peak spring break period is so bizarre."
I thought the same, so I can only guess it has to do with the new shows coming in. I def agree with Wick3 that it should have been translated to the stage closer to when the film was released, it would have absolutely run longer, but I truly don't think they had any stage plans for this back then. Even the creatives behind the film seemed surprised at how popular and loved the film became and how it's stood the test of time since. I enjoyed it, it's by no means a perfect translation from film to stage, but it has a charm about it I liked, so I'm sorry to see it go when it deserved more than it got in more ways than one, but as the closing rumor has been around fro a while, I'm not shocked.
Posted: 2/6/19 at 10:27am
As much as I have a soft spot for this show/movie (despite its huge pacing issues/strange narrative choices), I'm not at all surprised this happened. With Cody getting poor reviews, the winter season slum and the production having a mixed response from certain audiences, it was sadly bond to happen.
I just hope all of these talented individuals get new gigs soon, especially John Bolton, who was my favorite new discovery thanks to this show! What a pure talent (and a cutie too!)
Posted: 2/6/19 at 10:35am
Wick3 said: "I wish they produced this musical back in the late 90s or early 00s when the animated feature film was more popular.
Regardless it had a good run. I saw the show twice and enjoyed it but did feel parts seemed too long and was confused at first with the Gleb character since I didn't remember him from the animated film."
Yeah, I've seen the show three times, and still I find anytime that Anya, Vlad, Dimitri or Lily aren't stage, all the energy just gets zapped out of the theater. Even with Ramin as Gleb, that feeling was quite strong to me. I get his character, but I think making him not having a stronger romantic angle to Anya was a mistake - since otherwise you don't really buy the conflict he has in killing her.
Posted: 2/6/19 at 7:45pm
dfrillsnedit said: "Wick3 said: "I wish they produced this musical back in the late 90s or early 00s when the animated feature film was more popular.
Regardless it had a good run. I saw the show twice and enjoyed it but did feel parts seemed too long and was confused at first with the Gleb character since I didn't remember him from the animated film."
Yeah, I've seen the show three times, and still I find anytime that Anya, Vlad, Dimitri or Lily aren't stage, all the energy just gets zapped out of the theater. Even with Ramin as Gleb, that feeling was quite strong to me. I get his character, but I think making him not having a stronger romantic angle to Anya was a mistake - since otherwise you don't really buy the conflict he has in killing her."
i enjoyed the show, but you’re right. The characterization was the weakest part. Gleb really didn’t have a motive. They had something there, what with his father being one of the men that invaded, and his mother being against it, but it went nowhere. How does he fall in love instantly with a street sweeper? It would’ve made more sense if he had assumed movie Dmitri’s role and smuggled her out, only to end up leading the revolution years later.
Mans also, WAS SHE ANASTASIA? That will always bother me.
Posted: 2/6/19 at 8:02pm
theaterlyfe19 said: "I think I've said this before and I'm sorry if I'm being repetitive, but apart from the grosses, maybe they also figured they couldn't find someone like Christy. She truly is one of a kind and I can't think of anyone who could have replaced her."
I, personally, thought Christy Altomare was a weak lead in the show. Her performance was one of many problems I had with this show. There is really nothing special about her performance, or even the role itself for that matter. Countless actresses could have taken on this role if the show wanted to keep running... Saying the reason the show is closing because they couldn't find someone like Christy is just silly, because, quite frankly, they could have.
Posted: 2/7/19 at 1:06am
bwayphreak234 said: "theaterlyfe19 said: "I think I've said this before and I'm sorry if I'm being repetitive, but apart from the grosses, maybe they also figured they couldn't find someone like Christy. She truly is one of a kind and I can't think of anyone who could have replaced her."
I, personally, thought Christy Altomare was a weak lead in the show. Her performance was one of many problems I had with this show. There is really nothing special about her performance, or even the role itself for that matter. Countless actresses could have taken on this role if the show wanted to keep running... Saying the reason the show is closing because they couldn't find someone like Christy is just silly, because, quite frankly, they could have."
^ this
one of a kind...ha.
She's overrated imo nothing special!
Posted: 2/7/19 at 4:40am
I agree she is replaceable but I honestly believe it's more the fault of the writing and character than her as an actress. I don't know if anyone in that role could have saved the show.
Posted: 2/7/19 at 9:22am
bwayphreak234 said: "theaterlyfe19 said: "I think I've said this before and I'm sorry if I'm being repetitive, but apart from the grosses, maybe they also figured they couldn't find someone like Christy. She truly is one of a kind and I can't think of anyone who could have replaced her."
I, personally, thought Christy Altomare was a weak lead in the show. Her performance was one of many problems I had with this show. There is really nothing special about her performance, or even the role itself for that matter. Countless actresses could have taken on this role if the show wanted to keep running... Saying the reason the show is closing because they couldn't find someone like Christy is just silly, because, quite frankly, they could have."
You’re entitled to your incredibly rude opinion. If they could’ve replaced her with anyone, why didn’t they? The show ran long enough-they could have.
Saying she’s overrated? She put her heart and soul into this performance. She played the part amazingly well. The way she went from quiet, shy, reluctant to face what could be her possible identity and then to become someone strong and able to speak for herself was an award winning performance. She IS special, and if you don’t see that, don’t comment. Her performance meant so much to so many people-why would they go back if they didn’t like her performance???
Also, I know this doesn’t have to do with her acting, but do you honestly think other actors would have done the Instagram lives, brought people backstage as frequently as she does, and actually take her time to speak with everyone who comes to see her at the stagedoor? Please, name another actor who does that.
She IS special and she carried the show for years. She could’ve left, and they could have replaced her. That isn’t a valid argument. They replaced Derek. They replaced Zach.
The show is closint abd meant so much to so to so many people. If you can’t say something nice or respectful....go away and be quiet.
Posted: 2/7/19 at 9:36am
theaterlyfe19 said: "bwayphreak234 said: "theaterlyfe19 said: "I think I've said this before and I'm sorry if I'm being repetitive, but apart from the grosses, maybe they also figured they couldn't find someone like Christy. She truly is one of a kind and I can't think of anyone who could have replaced her."
I, personally, thought Christy Altomare was a weak lead in the show. Her performance was one of many problems I had with this show. There is really nothing special about her performance, or even the role itself for that matter. Countless actresses could have taken on this role if the show wanted to keep running... Saying the reason the show is closing because they couldn't find someone like Christy is just silly, because, quite frankly, they could have."
You’re entitled to your incredibly rude opinion. If they could’ve replaced her with anyone, why didn’t they? The show ran long enough-they could have.
Saying she’s overrated? She put her heart and soul into this performance. She played the part amazingly well. The way she went from quiet, shy, reluctant to face what could be her possible identityand then to become someone strong and able to speak for herself was an award winning performance. She IS special, and if you don’t see that, don’t comment. Her performance meant so much to so many people-why would they go back if they didn’t like her performance???
Also, I know this doesn’t have to do with her acting, but do you honestly think other actors would have done the Instagram lives, brought people backstage as frequently as she does, and actually take her time to speak with everyone who comes to see her at the stagedoor? Please, name another actor who does that.
She IS special and she carried the show for years. She could’ve left, and they could have replaced her. That isn’t a valid argument. They replaced Derek. They replaced Zach.
The show is closint abd meant so much to so to so many people. If you can’t say something nice or respectful....go away and be quiet. "
Just because someone has a different opinion than you they’re “rude”? Also, your logic is extremely flawed.
Posted: 2/7/19 at 9:42am
bwayphreak234 said: "theaterlyfe19 said: "bwayphreak234 said: "theaterlyfe19 said: "I think I've said this before and I'm sorry if I'm being repetitive, but apart from the grosses, maybe they also figured they couldn't find someone like Christy. She truly is one of a kind and I can't think of anyone who could have replaced her.
I, personally, thought Christy Altomare was a weak lead in the show. Her performance was one of many problems I had with this show. There is really nothing special about her performance, or even the role itself for that matter. Countless actresses could have taken on this role if the show wanted to keep running... Saying the reason the show is closing because they couldn't find someone like Christy is just silly, because, quite frankly, they could have."
You’re entitled to your incredibly rude opinion. If they could’ve replaced her with anyone, why didn’t they? The show ran long enough-they could have.
Saying she’s overrated? She put her heart and soul into this performance. She played the part amazingly well. The way she went from quiet, shy, reluctant to face what could be her possible identityand then to become someone strong and able to speak for herself was an award winning performance. She IS special, and if you don’t see that, don’t comment. Her performance meant so much to so many people-why would they go back if they didn’t like her performance???
Also, I know this doesn’t have to do with her acting, but do you honestly think other actors would have done the Instagram lives, brought people backstage as frequently as she does, and actually take her time to speak with everyone who comes to see her at the stagedoor? Please, name another actor who does that.
She IS special and she carried the show for years. She could’ve left, and they could have replaced her. That isn’t a valid argument. They replaced Derek. They replaced Zach.
The show is closint abd meant so much to so to so many people. If you can’t say something nice or respectful....go away and be quiet. "
Just because someone has a different opinion than you they’re “rude”?Also, yourlogic is extremely flawed."
yes but how they express that opinion is rude. Saying she’s “nothing special”?? Unnecessary and yes, rude. How exactly is my logic flawed, please-enlighten me. I didn’t realize I have to post according to your post guidelines.
Posted: 2/7/19 at 10:47am
theaterlyfe19 said: "I didn’t realize I have to post according to your post guidelines."
You just posted saying “She IS special, and if you don’t see that, don’t comment.” Pot, meet kettle. There’s one example of how your logic is flawed.
Back to the actual discussion - I think they did a fine job of adapting the material, but I agree that Gleb’s character needed to be more fleshed out. I actually love the new songs and found the projections to be better than I expected. Christy’s performance was wonderful, but I also think that a number of people could have done the role justice. I think Laura Osnes could have been a good Anya as well. Maybe part of the reason I like the show is because of my ties to the animated film, as well as the Romanov family in general. It was one of my favorite movies as a child and I became a historical nerd on the subject in high school and college, as it really is fascinating.
Ideally I would have liked if the ending was more of a twist. The happily-ever-after, almost-identical to Wicked ending is boring. It would have been more interesting had they tied in the original ending of Anya/Anna Anderson, which is that after she died it was discovered that she was a fraud with no DNA ties to the family, and a few decades later they found the missing daughter buried with the brother. I think that would have been a great shock of an ending to anyone in the audience who doesn’t know much about the real story.
Posted: 2/7/19 at 11:00am
qolbinau said: "I agree she is replaceable but I honestly believe it's more the fault of the writing and character than her as an actress. I don't know if anyone in that role could have saved the show."
Yup, it's much more the writing than Christy and Lila as well. Notice how the character description says Anya is funny and has a sense of humor, but in reality there is nowhere in the script that give Christy and Lila that opportunity. There are no jokes or punchlines or chances to show Anya her humor. She is made all serious pretty much. I missed Anya's sarcasm and sassiness from the movie so much.
GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Ideally I would have liked if the ending was more of a twist. The happily-ever-after, almost-identical to Wicked ending is boring.It would have been more interesting had they tied in the original ending of Anya/Anna Anderson,which is that after she died it wasdiscovered that she was a fraud with no DNA ties to the family, and a few decades later they found the missing daughter buried with thebrother.I think that would have been a great shock of an ending to anyone in the audience who doesn’t know much about the real story."
Honestly, I was expecting and hoping for that ending. When they were making the movie, it was before and during the confirmation that Anastasia did indeed die with her family. It would have been a great plot twist that Anya was some random person we haven't known this whole time and not Anastasia as implied. Maybe Anya and the Dowager Empress agreed to become friends since they are both lonely?
Updated On: 2/7/19 at 11:00 AM
Posted: 2/7/19 at 11:07am
theaterlyfe19 said: "The way she went from quiet, shy, reluctant to face what could be her possible identity and then to become someone strong and able to speak for herself was an award winning performance."
What award would that be?
Posted: 2/7/19 at 11:20am
Truly the blandest show I've ever seen. Happy for new life in the Broadhurst.
Posted: 2/7/19 at 11:48am
Aw man, what a pity! It really is such a nice show, and it'll be sad to see it go.
