I thought that having Rasputin be responsible for the Russian Revolution in "Anastasia" would be like having evil elves being responsible for the Civil War in "Gone with the Wind."
"Is this going to be hampered a bit by the fact that we now know for certain that she isn't, since the remains of all the royal children have been accounted for now? They identified the last two bodies in 2008."
This could be a wonderful new role: the Kill Joy who comes in at the 11th hour and tells Anastasia they found her bones and she's really Rula Lenska from Poland. I'm imagining Patti LuPone in this part.
Jesting aside - if the stage musical is going to partly be based on the 1956 film ANASTASIA, they may, as that film does, make it more incongruous as to whether Anya really is the missing princess.
And for that matter, if Anya found out at the end she "isn't" really the princess - it could make her reconciliation and plan for a 'new life' with Dimitri all the more poignant.
They certainly don't need to stay faithful to the silly plot of the animated movie.
The Rasputin subplot always seemed to me, not tasteless, but butchered and forced into a show that didn't suit it. The idea of the Russian Revolution's turbulent beginning being partially brought about or supported behind the scenes by the lich of Grigori Rasputin is a very clever conceit that would work in a different story or medium: just, not a romantic comedy-drama musical about the Princess Anastasia.
The last time I saw it, I thought, "I want to see this movie, and I want to see that movie. I'm not happy that these are the same movie, though."
This could be a wonderful new role: the Kill Joy who comes in at the 11th hour and tells Anastasia they found her bones and she's really Rula Lenska from Poland. I'm imagining Patti LuPone in this part.
This made me LOL. And what if Rula Lenska is really Rasputin? Plot twist!
Thanks for the information! Count me in with those who hated Rasputin. Not only was a dead body, falling out of pieces disturbing to watch, but it was also very disrespectful to the real life Rasputin. Yes, he did magic in real life. But, he was great friends with the royal family (and he maybe was very very "close" to one or two of the girls). I'm excited to see the new bad guy, but Dark in the Night will be missed. One of my fave songs in the movie.
BTW: Isn't Elena who's a little too old to play Anastasia? I saw her resume and she was in the tour of Light in the Piazza and she was in Fiddler on the Roof and Nine on Broadway.
Swing Joined: 6/9/15
I thought Kelli Barrett was being considered for Anya for a while before Doctor Zhivago premiered on Broadway? Maybe I'm getting my information wrong... I like Elena Shaddow, so I wouldn't be upset to see her in the role.
It's such a shame they are cutting "In the Dark of the Night" - so catchy and good. It always frustrated me how much the film twisted the Russian history, but the film will always be one of my favorites.
@disneybroadwayfan22: Elena is a tad old for Anya, but I think she look young for her age (I don't know her exact age); she looked young during the The Visit's recent Tony performance.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
Wow, thanks for jumping on me so quickly... I only watched its Tony performance once, and I GLANCED at her and it looked like Elena. I've been keep track of her since she was in the Piazza tour. I know exactly who she is. Thanks for being smart asses, though!
The NY Post article Mr. Riedel posted is very wrong, saying Anastasia is having its run at Hartford this fall, with Broadway in the spring to compete with Hamilton, but it plays Hartford in May 2016, so the whole article to try and think of another show to potentially stop Hamilton is wrong.
http://nypost.com/2015/06/16/anastasia-musical-might-give-hamilton-a-run-for-its-money/
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
https://twitter.com/raminkarimloo/status/610999571204980736
"almost correct. Wrong role. Lol. X"
I'm assuming Ramin played this role:
GLEB (Mid-Late 30’s): A member of the Chekist secret police. A zealot with tremendous intensity and a dangerous sexuality. As the play progresses we see him rise in power and position within the political party. He is in love with Anya but would not be above killing her if necessary. Baritone. Vocal Range: A2-Gb.
"I'm assuming Ramin played this role:
GLEB (Mid-Late 30’s): A member of the Chekist secret police. A zealot with tremendous intensity and a dangerous sexuality. As the play progresses we see him rise in power and position within the political party. He is in love with Anya but would not be above killing her if necessary. Baritone. Vocal Range: A2-Gb."
That is a much more fitting role for him: Right age and defientely the right looks. But, who was Dimiri then?
Updated On: 6/17/15 at 07:48 AM
Mark Evans! Here's a longer cast list. I've never actually seen Anastasia, but I'm intrigued! http://www.playbill.com/news/article/bridges-of-madison-county-and-les-miserables-stars-took-part-in-workshop-of-ahrens-and-flahertys-anastasia-351490
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