This was absolutely magnificent. Truly beautiful and special and worth the wait.
However, this has one serious problem, which I will talk about in the end.
The set is amazing. It is just a building like you see on the website. But, they do so much with it: Making it neighborhoods, interiors, maps, nature etc. It does stick out like a sore thumb during some of the outdoor scenes, but they try so much to make the best out of it. The costumes are incredible and they all sparkle in unique ways. My favorite is the Romanov dresses, Paris Hold the Key to your Heart, and the ballet dresses.
The direction and the cherography are divine. The train scene was beautiful and it was so well done. Once Upon a December was absolutely legendary and had almost moved me to tears. Paris Hold the Key to your Heart, Learn to Do It, the ballet scenes, Land of Yesterday, the opening, the Grandma/Anastasia scene (love how there is a wink to the movie before Grandma's song), the climax with Gleb, and the finale are my favorite scenes. The new songs are gorgeous. However, Crossing the Bridge needs serious fixing and make it about her family. The song is just about how Paris is beautiful and the bridge itself. I love Land of Yesterday, but it should go as well because it leads to nothing.
The acting was special and the actors were perfect. No stand outs because they were all equally phenomenal. Derek Klena showcases his singing voice while giving out a compassionate and passionate Dimitri. Without giving anything away, his scene with the Empress was so intense and he gave me goosebumps everywhere. Mary Beth Peil is on her way for a Tony. The Empress is very different from the movie as the massacre changes her. And god, she is heartbreaking and brings out the agony and bitterness in the Empress in a powerful and sympathetic way. Her song was moving. John Bolton is on his way to a Tony as well. He is spot on as Vlad and he is simply fun and joyful to watch. He gives Vlad a extremely warm and kind touch that is stronger than the movie. His "I Shouldn't Let Him Dance" nearly moved me to tears. Caroline O'Connor was fiery as Lily/Sophie. She is loyal and obedient as the lady-in-waiting, but she shines in Land of Yesterday. John and Caroline are EXCELLENT together and their song was hilarious and extremely show stopping. Lastly and most importantly, Chrissy. Absolutely phenomenal. She is truly bringing out a special performance. She uses the PTSD element of the story to her full advantage and when she brings it out, she is heartbreaking and believable as Anastasia. She also connects it to a timid and shy attitude that truly makes Anastasia a victim. Her singing voice is incredible and soaring. Her Journey to the Past is 100% PERFECT and there is no other words to describe it, but moving and incredible. She hits all of the notes and truly makes the song her own. A star has been born. Additionally, we all met the cast and they were all class acts. John and Chrissy are sweethearts. Esepecially Chrissy who was adorable and so bubbly!
Before I say the serious flaw, let me just say that Gleb needs serious fixing. He is a complex character with true potential, but he is hardly in the show at all. He needs a hell lot more stage time and development to make him work. Make him more like Frollo and Javier and he should be good.
The huge problem I had the show: Anastasia herself. I have gigantic conflicting feelings with her. They did a wonderful job, recreating Anastasia and making her realistic as a victim of a traumatic past. Like I said, she is timid and shy and very sensitive and can be triggered easily. However, despite of this, she is nothing like the animated movie. I don't know if the book, Chrissy, or the direction. But, like a professional review said, the show is missing out the snappiness, sarcasm, and the fun of the character. If you are going to do a movie/musical adaption, you need to make the lead as like the movie as possible. In other words, this Anastasia is way too different from the movie and it honestly nearly ruined the show for me. It was extremely distracting in Act One, but it worked in Act Two where the character needed to be weak and nervous. Is it horrible? Absolutely not. Like I said, I loved the new Anya and I love what they were attempting to do here. But, on the other hand, it is weird to change the character when her personality makes her what she is. The good news is that this is easily fixable if Chrissy gives out more spunk in her performance. The same thing can be said with Dimitri as well.
This show is definitely ready for Broadway. I am so happy that this was finally made into a musical and the product is excellent. It just need changes to Gleb and Anastasia and that's it. I recommend it to everyone, but please don't expect the movie.
