Producers of the hit Broadway musical ANASTASIA have today revealed the talented young Sydney performers who will be sharing the role of Little Anastasia in the highly anticipated musical opening in April at the spectacular Lyric Theatre Sydney. The local performers who scored the coveted role amongst many keen auditionees are Arianna Lorusso aged 9 and based in Beacon Hill; Maya Porragas aged 10 from Cremorne; Willa Valaris aged 10 from Allambie Heights and Willow Wilson aged 11 from Lisarow.
The crowd-favourite musical made its Australian debut in December at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre wowing audiences and critics alike, and is now playing in Perth. New tickets for the Sydney season go on sale today for the final performances from 8 – 19 July.
Time Out Melbourne called the musical a “charming theatre experience” that was “destined to deliver theatrical magic” while The Music said it was “a theatrical spectacle that dazzles on every front and will leave you spellbound” and Beat Magazine said that the musical’s “dazzling Australian premiere is rich with powerful performances.”
These hugely talented young performers will join cast members Georgina Hopson as Anya, Robert Tripolino as charming con artist Dmitry, Joshua Robson in the role of antagonist Gleb, Rodney Dobson as Vlad, the much-loved Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily and theatre icon Nancye Hayes AM in the role of the Dowager Empress.
The ensemble cast includes Sophia Bae, Elliot Baker, Nicholas Cunningham, Davis Giotopoulos Moore, Todd Goddard, Stephanie Kurlow, Keian Langdon, Bella Minniti, Nathan Stafford, Alexis Van Maanen, Patrick Volpe, Annie Wilson, Deone Zanotto and Andrea Zappacosta with the swings team featuring Manon Gunderson-Briggs, Iosefa Laga’aia, Nathan Pinnell and Emma Russell.
Inspired by the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape in the dawning days of the Russian Revolution, and the 1997 Oscar nominated animated film of the same name, ANASTASIA has been brought to life on the stage by the Tony Award-winning creative team of Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.
ANASTASIA is a lavish musical for all ages, transporting audiences from the twilight years of the Imperial rule to the euphoria and exuberance of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman named Anya sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by an army officer determined to silence her, she enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.
Directed by Tony Award winning director Darko Tresnjak, ANASTASIA premiered on Broadway in March 2017. It received a Tony Award nomination for Best Costume Design in a Musical and won more than 15 major international awards including Best Musical awards in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.
The book for ANASTASIA was written by the late five time Tony Award winning writer Terrence McNally, whose credits include Love! Valour! Compassion!, Master Class, Kiss of the Spider Woman and Ragtime.
Music and lyrics for ANASTASIA were written by the renowned writing team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens who have been referred to as “one of the greatest songwriting teams in Broadway history.” (Chicago Tribune).
“Fantastical, intelligent, well-crafted, and exhilarating, ANASTASIA deserves a coronation!” – The Wall Street Journal
“Captivating, beautifully staged and emotionally vital. ANASTASIA hits the sweet spot!” – The Hollywood Reporter
“One of the most gorgeous shows in years! Luscious, lavish, and a joy that leaves you cheering. This is a grandiloquent feast for the senses you won’t soon forget.” – The New York Observer
ANASTASIA – THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
Produced by John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia in special collaboration with Stage Entertainment Productions, Tom Kirdahy, Hunter Arnold and Dan Hinde
SYDNEY SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Season: From 7 April
Performance Times: Tue-Thurs at 7pm, Fr-Sat 7:30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm, 3pm or 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: anastasiathemusical.com.au or 136 100
Groups 8+ email groups@ticketmaster.com.au
Festival Theatre Adelaide from August
Lyric Theatre QPAC, Brisbane from September
