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Little Anastasia Cast Members Revealed For Hit Broadway Musical Anastasia’s Sydney Premiere

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

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The Diary Of Anne Frank To Open In March 2026

Award winning producers Drew Anthony Creative are continuing their 2026 east coast season with the announcement of a powerful stage adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, which is set to open at Melbourne’s historic Athenaeum Theatre from March 4, 2026. With previous productions taking out a Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award this production comes directly from its own critically acclaimed sell out season at The Heath Ledger Theatre in Perth, and will debut in Melbourne before moving onto the State Theatre in Sydney.

This brand-new production allows audiences to step into one of the most inspiring true stories of the 20th century, as it masterfully brings to life the remarkable true story of 13-year-old Anne Frank – a young Jewish girl hiding with her family for two years in occupied Amsterdam during World War II. Through Anne’s extraordinary diary, audiences are given an intimate view into the challenges, fears, and small triumphs of their life in hiding. Anne’s teenage diary has made her one of the most powerful voices in literature, as a young girl whose hope, humour, and unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity continue to inspire millions even today.

Written in 1955 by playwrights Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, the stage play is based on the original book, The Diary of Anne Frank, which published by Anne’s father, Otto Frank and details Anne’s experiences and insights while she and her family were in hiding, living in a constant fear of being arrested.

Director Drew Anthony says, “It has been my absolute privilege to stage this production in Perth, and I am thrilled to be bringing this play to Melbourne. The enduring power of Anne’s voice resonates through time, offering a profound call for tolerance, courage, and compassion. As prejudice and division continue to challenge our world, Anne’s diary serves as a vital reminder to learn from the past, value our freedoms, and strive toward a more hopeful future.”

The Diary of Anne Frank will play at the Athenaeum Theatre from Tuesday to Sunday from March 4 until March 14. The show is a deeply moving production that combines brilliant performances and skilled narration to create an experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

“It is a life-changing experience, a call to remembrance, and a doorway into empathy, resilience, and the necessity of continuing the fight for human dignity.” OUTinPerth

“There is no doubt this is a well-acted and moving piece of theatre that highlights the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of unspeakable barbarity.” Perth Theatre Reviews

The Diary of Anne Frank is a testament to the human spirit that continues to resonate and inspire. Don’t miss the chance to witness this story of strength and perseverance.

Tickets are now on sale for THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK via www.ticketmaster.com.au.

This production is recommended for audiences 10 years +

PRODUCTION TEAM
Producer Drew Anthony Creative
Associate Producer Rachel Burgess
Director Drew Anthony
Production Design Drew Anthony
Costume Design Annette Stivaletta
Lighting Design Drew Anthony & Jason Bovaird
DAC Social Media Videography Abbey Burton

DURATION
2hr 10 min with a 20-minute interval

WHERE
The Athenaeum Theatre, Collins Street, Melbourne

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