Every so often a musical comes along that ticks all the boxes and leaves you leaving the theatre having witnessed a masterpiece. Anastasia the Musical is such a production. It is pure perfection.
From the youngest to the oldest cast member, ensemble to leads, they all exude a stage presence that connected and drew the audience into a tale of Imperial Highness, Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia.
Based on the false legend that Anastasia survived the execution of the Russian royal family and the subsequent imposters that claim to be her. Anastasia the Musical is a tale of family, love, identity and belonging. It is a delightful and charming production that transports the audience back to post revolutionary Russia.
Although not a large role, Lacey McCormack as young Anastasia, projected a playful charm that connected instantly with the audience.
Georgina Hopson in the role of Anya is a breath of fresh air and a true revelation. Her sincere and emotional performance is awe inspiring. Her vocals and performance are delivered with sincerity, poise and grace.
Robert Tripolino as Dmitry possessed a playful and cheeky charm. His powerful and charming voice is a perfect match with Hopson and their duets are pure perfection and joy. Rodney Dobson as Vlad, has a spirited connection with Tripolino, as they work to pass off Anya as the missing Anastasia.
Joshua Robson as the antagonist Gleb, gives a powerful performance. With a commanding and emotive set of vocals he is able to send shivers of emotion through the audience.
With voices that are both powerful and expressive, the four main leads (Hopson, Tripolino, Robson and Dobson) manage to deliver a subtle and engaging performance that captivates throughout the production.
Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily, provides some of the comedic moments in the show. Her duet of The Countess and the Common Man, with Dobson is hilariously flirtatious as they manage to work the crowd into a frenzy of riotous laughter.
Nancye Hayes as Dowager Empress gives a poised and emotive performance as the grandmother trying to find her granddaughter, Anastasia. Once again, Burchmore and Hayes, manage to prove why they are two of Australia’s leading ladies.
The set designed by Alexander Dodge, along with the video design by Aaron Rhyme and costumes designed by Linda Cho, are captivating and add to the mood and visual world of the production.
Choreography by Peggy Hickey is effective and performed with precision. The ballet number during Quartet at the Ballet added to the climatic crescendo and received a deserved rousing round of applause.
It is said, “Music acts as a window to the soul.” It allows for an emotional outlet and a reflection of inner thoughts, memories, and spiritual depth. Anastasia The Musical manages to do just that.
ANASTASIA
Crown Theatre Perth, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood
Performance: Thursday 5 March 2026
Season continues to 28 March 2026
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
Following the Perth season, ANASTASIA will play the Sydney Lyric Theatre from 7 April, the Festival Theatre – Adelaide Festival Centre from 2 August, and the Lyric Theatre – QPAC, Brisbane, from 16 September 2026. For more information, visit: www.anastasiathemusical.com.au for details.
Images: Georgina Hopson in ANASTASIA – photo by Jeff Busby | Robert Tripolino and Georgina Hopson in ANASTASIA – photo by Jeff Busby | Rhonda Burchmore in ANASTASIA – photo by Jeff Busby | The Australian Cast of ANASTASIA – photo by Jeff Busby
Review: Craig Dalglish