REVIEW: Anastasia
- Tori Bullard (they/them)
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
From the moment the overture began, I felt tears prick at my eyes, a reminder of just how special this show is to me. Having seen Anastasia twice on Broadway in 2018, it has long held a place in my heart, so I came into this production with both excitement and a slightly different perspective.
Visually, the production is divine. The costumes are nothing short of stunning, rich, detailed, and perfectly suited to the world of the show. While I still find myself longing for the days of full, tangible sets over LED screens, it’s a choice consistent with the Broadway production, and one I can (mostly) forgive given how seamlessly it’s executed here.
The ensemble is sensational. Truly, no notes. Every moment of movement and vocal support felt precise, energised, and committed.
Among the cast, there are some truly standout performances. Sophia Bae is breathtaking as Odette, bringing grace and emotional depth to every moment. Elliot Baker possesses a voice so rich and resonant I could feel it in my bones. Willa Valaris is utterly charming as Little Anastasia, sweet, natural, and completely captivating.
Georgina Hopson delivers a vocally stunning performance, as expected, with a clarity and strength that is always a joy to listen to. While her talent is undeniable, I did find myself occasionally taken out of the storytelling, as the costuming and makeup choices seemed to age her up, making her feel slightly misaligned with the youthful spirit of Anya. That said, she brings a sincerity and commitment to the role that keeps her performance engaging and emotionally grounded. Meanwhile, Joshua Robson quietly steals the show as Gleb. His physical restraint, almost making himself smaller within the space, contrasted beautifully with a voice that commands authority and presence. It was a masterclass in control and power.
Nancye Hayes as the Dowager Empress is, quite simply, perfection. She brings elegance, warmth, and gravitas, and truly, one cannot imagine a more fitting choice for the role. Rhonda Burchmore is a delightful surprise as Countess Lily, sprightly, funny, and a joy to watch. Meanwhile, Rodney Dobson’s Vlad is impeccably cast, balancing cheeky opportunism with genuine heart.
However, not all elements landed as strongly. Robert Tripolino’s Dmitry at times felt slightly misaligned, with character choices that occasionally seemed to belong in a different show, creating moments that didn’t fully sit within the world of the piece. This felt, at least in part, like a directional influence, with choices that didn’t always serve either the character or the story as effectively as they could. His voice is nice, and there is certainly potential there. I also wasn’t entirely convinced by the pairing between him and Georgina Hopson, as their dynamic didn’t quite feel as cohesive as it could.
This leads into a broader issue with the direction. With such a powerhouse cast, I found it surprising that the overall tone often felt overacted and overly directed. At times, moments fell flat or tipped into pantomime territory. While I love a good pantomime, this is not the show for it. There was also a noticeable lack of vocal dynamics across the board. The cast sounded beautiful, no question, but much of it felt “by the book,” with limited variation or sense of personal interpretation. I suspect this may be a musical direction choice, but it results in a sound that, while polished, lacks some individuality and emotional spontaneity.
Like many, I’ve long been aware of the changes to this adaptation, particularly the removal of Rasputin and Bartok. While I deeply miss “Dark of the Night,” I do understand the intention behind grounding the story in a more historically inspired framework. The addition of Gleb works incredibly well, adding weight and realism to the narrative, though I completely understand why audiences may feel the loss of those more fantastical elements.
All in all, this is a beautiful show and an incredibly fun night at the theatre that I would highly recommend you go and see.
Be sure to get your tickets to see Anastasia playing at Sydney's Lyrics Theatre until the 18th of July!
