Anastasia Enchants Sydney with a Lavish Theatrical Spectacle

Nancye Hayes AM & Georgina Hopson

Stepping into the Lyric Theatre Sydney last week for the opening of Anastasia was like entering a world where history, myth and music intertwine in breathtaking fashion. This highly anticipated production, presented by Opera Australia and John Frost for Crossroads Live, delivers a spectacular theatrical experience that lingers long after the final curtain.

From its emotional storytelling to its sweeping score and lavish staging, this is a production that raises the bar for musical theatre in Sydney.

From Historical Mystery to Musical Masterpiece

The story of Anastasia continues to fascinate audiences worldwide. Based on the 1997 animated film Anastasia, the musical draws inspiration from the real life mystery surrounding Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov.

Following the fall of the Romanov family, rumours persisted that Anastasia may have survived, sparking decades of intrigue. This stage adaptation blends those historical elements with romance, humour and adventure, creating a rich and emotionally layered narrative that resonates strongly with modern audiences.

A Stellar Cast Leads the Journey

Georgina Hopson

At the heart of this production is a remarkable cast who bring depth and authenticity to every moment on stage.

Georgina Hopson shines as Anya, delivering a performance filled with vulnerability, strength and warmth. Her portrayal captures the essence of a young woman searching for her identity, and her vocal performance is both powerful and beautifully controlled.

Robert Tripolino as Dmitry brings charm and energy to the role, balancing roguish charisma with genuine emotional depth. His chemistry with Hopson adds a compelling layer to the story, making their journey together feel authentic and engaging.

Joshua Robson’s portrayal of Gleb introduces a darker, more conflicted presence. His performance is nuanced and intense, providing a strong emotional counterpoint and adding tension throughout the production.

Rodney Dobson as Vlad offers moments of humour and sophistication, effortlessly guiding the audience through the story with a charismatic and polished presence.

Rhonda Burchmore

Rhonda Burchmore lights up the stage as Countess Lily, delivering elegance, wit and impeccable comedic timing. Her performance adds a vibrant energy that lifts every scene she appears in.

Nancye Hayes AM, as the Dowager Empress, brings gravitas and emotional resonance to the production. Her performance is deeply moving, particularly in moments that explore memory, loss and hope, anchoring the story with a sense of history and dignity.

A special mention must also go to the young talent in the cast. On the night I attended, Young Anastasia was played by Willow Wilson, aged 11, who delivered a heartfelt and impressive performance. She shares the role with three other young performers who rotate across different performances, a testament to the production’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Memorable Songs That Define the Heart of Anastasia

One of the most powerful elements of Anastasia is its unforgettable musical score, which blends sweeping ballads, lively ensemble numbers and emotionally charged storytelling songs that carry the narrative forward with depth and elegance.

The production opens with the haunting and evocative “Prologue: Once Upon a December”, which immediately sets the tone for nostalgia and memory. This theme reappears throughout the show, becoming a musical thread that ties Anastasia’s fragmented past to her uncertain present.

Anastasia

A standout emotional centrepiece is “Journey to the Past”, one of the most recognisable songs from the original animated film Anastasia. In the stage production, it becomes a soaring anthem of hope and identity, delivered with breathtaking vocal strength and emotional clarity. It is the moment where the character fully embraces the possibility of discovering who she truly is.

Light relief and charm come through in songs like “A Rumour in St Petersburg”, a lively ensemble number that captures the energy, chaos and humour of the city while introducing key characters and setting the tone for Dmitry’s world. It is playful, rhythmic and full of theatrical movement.

Another emotionally rich highlight is “In a Crowd of Thousands”, a tender duet between Anya and Dmitry. This song beautifully captures their growing connection, balancing vulnerability and longing with melodic warmth. It is one of the production’s most intimate and heartfelt moments.

Joshua Robson & Georgina Hopson

The darker emotional layer of the story is carried in songs such as “The Neva Flows”, where themes of loss, loyalty and identity are explored with haunting musical undertones, particularly through the character of Gleb.

The show also features vibrant ensemble pieces like “Land of Yesterday”, which brings together grand staging, choreography and vocal harmonies to create a powerful theatrical spectcle that bridges past and present.

Together, these songs form the emotional backbone of Anastasia, ensuring that the production is not only visually stunning but also deeply moving, with music that stays with the audience long after the final curtain falls.

A Score Brought to Life by a Superb Orchestra

The music of Anastasia is one of its defining features, and the live orchestra elevates it to extraordinary heights. The sweeping melodies and emotional compositions fill the theatre, creating a rich soundscape that enhances every scene.

The orchestra’s precision and sensitivity allow the music to flow seamlessly with the action on stage, drawing the audience deeper into the story and amplifying its emotional impact.

Opulent Costumes That Tell a Story Across Continents

Anastasia

Visually, the production is nothing short of spectacular. The costumes are opulent and meticulously detailed, reflecting the grandeur of imperial Russia while supporting the narrative’s journey across continents. From sweeping palace gowns adorned with intricate embroidery, jewels and rich fabrics, to sharply tailored military uniforms and aristocratic evening wear, every piece evokes a sense of time and place with remarkable authenticity.

As the story unfolds, the costume design cleverly mirrors the emotional and physical journey of the characters. The transition from the splendour of the royal court to the harsher realities of life on the run is captured through a shift to more sombre, practical street clothing. Earthy tones, layered textures and worn fabrics reflect the uncertainty and resilience of the characters as they move across Europe.

Georgina Hopson

These contrasts are particularly striking in Anya’s transformation, where her wardrobe evolves alongside her identity, subtly reinforcing her journey from uncertainty to self discovery. The ensemble costumes further enrich the production, with each scene populated by carefully styled characters that bring bustling streets, train stations and grand ballrooms vividly to life.

The costumes do more than dress the performers, they become an essential storytelling element, enhancing both the visual spectacle and the emotional depth of this unforgettable production.

Grand Architectural Sets and Seamless Theatrical Transitions

Robert Tripolino

The set design feels both grand and fluid. One of the most striking features is the use of towering columns and elegant window frames that frame the stage, evoking the opulence of imperial Russia while allowing scenes to transition effortlessly.

Lighting and projection play a crucial role in transforming these structural elements. Through subtle shifts in colour, shadow and imagery, the same framework becomes a palace interior, a windswept street or a bustling European city. The projections are seamlessly integrated, adding depth and movement without overwhelming the live performance.

Equally impressive is the choreography of the set itself. Large set pieces glide on and off the stage via cleverly designed platforms, ensuring smooth, cinematic transitions between scenes. This movement keeps the pacing tight and immersive, with no break in the storytelling.

Anastasia

One of the most memorable moments is the train sequence, where the exposed framework of the carriage is cleverly used to suggest the train itself. Through a seamless blend of projected scenery and precisely timed lighting, the skeletal structure transforms into a moving journey filled with passengers. Combined with the characters’ period travel attire, the effect creates a vivid illusion of motion, making the audience feel as though they are travelling alongside the cast, fully immersed in the experience.

Together, the costumes and set design do far more than create a beautiful stage picture. They function as essential storytelling tools, deepening the emotional impact and elevating this production into a truly un
forgettable theatrical experience.

Why Anastasia Is a Must See in Sydney

This production of Anastasia is more than just a musical, it is a complete theatrical experience. With its compelling story, outstanding performances, breathtaking visuals and unforgettable music, it stands as one of the must see shows currently playing in Sydney.

Whether you are a theatre enthusiast or a traveller seeking a memorable cultural experience, this production offers a perfect night out in one of Australia’s most vibrant cities.

Book Your Experience

To learn more and secure your tickets, visit:
https://www.anastasiathemusical.com.au/

For venue details, visit:
https://www.sydneylyric.com.au/

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