My family and I received press tickets for “Anastasia,” which is at the Golden Gate Theatre through September 29.
In case you are not familiar with the “Anastasia” story, here is how the official website describes it:
Inspired by the beloved films, ANASTASIA transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya 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
We actually own a DVD of the 1997 animated movie and to be honest, I don’t love it. My daughters don’t even remember watching the movie that’s how little of an impression it left on them. Still, I love going to the theatre with my family and wanted to give the musical production a chance.
About the cast:
The cast is undeniably talented. Lila Coogan as Anya, who we find out is actually Anastasia, is perfectly cast. My 11-year-old daughter was mesmerized by her and the first thing that she said when I asked her what she thought of the show was, “Anastasia was MAGIC!” Tari Kelly is delightful as Countess Lily and all around the cast is solid.
About the set design:
The set is a mix of props and projections. The projections designed by Aaron Rhyne are like WOWZERS. I’ve never seen anything like them in a stage production and I was incredibly impressed by them, but maybe too impressed because at times I would stop paying attention to the actors and storyline altogether and just stare at whatever was being projected. In a way, the projections were upstaging the actors and the story, but that’s only because the story wasn’t as interesting as the projections.
About the book and music:
“ANASTASIA” features a book by playwright Terrence McNally and a score with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. I’d say the music and lyrics are OK and the book is a mess. Like seriously a mess.
The first half of the show takes place in Russia, but of course, it’s a very American version of Russia. The second part takes place in an equally American version of Paris. The Russians in Russia seem like Americans dressed in drab while the Russians in Paris seem like Americans dressed as flappers.
There is no real sense of culture or history throughout the show. Everything is really glossed over. The unspecificity of it all made me feel icky and like I should go learn more about Russian history to make amends.
If I’m being brutally honest, I don’t think the book is well written. It feels pointless and irrelevant. It lacks depth and truth. Like the whole part about Anya/Anastasia being “pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her” — WTF is that about? Officer Gleb (Jason Michael Evans) isn’t ruthless AT ALL. The character as written is not dangerous and it doesn’t come as a surprise when he lets Anastasia go without hurting her. That entire storyline could be cut and no one would notice.
In conclusion:
I left the theatre feeling like “what was the point of all of that?” I can’t even figure out who the target audience is supposed to be for this show. It’s not young kids, it’s not teens, it’s not adults. Maybe it’s for tweens like my 11-year-old who absolutely loved it. And because she loved it and I got to see her face during and after the show, I’m thrilled we went.
“Anastasia”
SEPT. 3 – 29, 2019
Golden Gate Theatre
1 Taylor St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
ALSO READ: Our Take on ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ the Musical
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How exciting. Even though you didn’t relate to it, it is always fun to go out and see a live production!
It’s always fun to see a live production and the cast is so talented and the sets are a must-see.