The Anastasia tour in Toronto has been a long time coming for a lot of us. The Romanov story fascinates many of us, and the 1997 animated film is a classic for many of us, as well. Two years after its Broadway debut, Anastasia has finally reached Canada, and I knew I needed tickets. I went to the first Saturday evening show, and had an amazing evening. But what did I think of the Anastasia tour in Toronto as a whole?
Why Anastasia?
Like many children of the ’90s, I fell in love with Anastasia as soon as it was released. Often confused with Disney films (it is from Fox), Anastasia is a musical about the Grand Duchess Anastasia. Yes, the youngest daughter of the last tsar, Nicholas II. My first introduction to royal history, this movie set me on my path to being an historian. This movie is the entire reason I went to the Russia, Royalty, and the Romanovs exhibition at the Queen’s Gallery!
The movie is also just a lot of fun, quite frankly. If Bartok doesn’t make you laugh at least three times, you need to re-watch it! I find that it appeals to many generations. Millenials will remember the movie from its release and our parents will remember us watching it until the tape wore out. (Yes, a tape.) And kids who see it nowadays love it just as much. So, as soon as I knew that the musical would be touring in Toronto, I bought tickets as soon as they were released…
Anastasia the Musical
The musical has been in the making for quite some time now. Created by Terrance McNally, Stephen Flaherty, and Lynn Ahrens, Anastasia premiered on Broadway on 24 April, 2017, and closed on 31 March 2019. The show was incredibly successful on Broadway, with Christy Altomare leading the show. And now several tours have been launched. Obviously this is the North American tour; there is also a German production, a Dutch production, and a Spanish production (in those languages). (Audiences across the globe can’t get enough!) It isn’t quite the same as the movie, though. Rasputin and Bartok are no longer in it, and have been replaced by a Soviet officer. The creators wanted to set it in a more historical timeline, and I don’t know that Rasputin would have been easily staged. For anyone new to Anastasia, here is the synopsis:
From the Tony Award®-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show 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.
Anastasia Tour, Toronto
This has to be, without a doubt, my favourite shows ever. The Anastasia tour in Toronto is a rare thing; it’s a full Broadway show, with full sets and cast. And it is a talented and impressive cast! Lila Coogan was unfortunately sick for the beginning of the Toronto run, but made her debut with two shows on Saturday. This was the second show of the day, but Lila gave such a strong performance. Her Anya is a more trusting and open Anya, and it works perfectly for her. I couldn’t have imagined a better live “Journey to the Past” if I had tried. Jake Levy’s Dmitry was also the stuff of childhood dreams- his Dmitry is funny and maybe a little bit softer than the film Dmitry, a supportive Dmitry. Every Anya and Dmitry has a different relationship, but Lily and Jake play well off of each other. And Edward Staudenmayer’s Vlad is comedic gold. He is a strong leader for Anya and Dmitry, but also holds his own with Tori Kelly as the Countess Lilly.
The supporting cast was also incredible. One of the reasons I love this show is the strong dance elements, and the ensemble cast are all strong dancers. Lyrica Woodruff was my favourite performer in the show, as Odette in Swan Lake. She was in the original Broadway production, and I’m so happy that she joined the touring production. Overall, the dancing is absolutely one of the elements of the show, and you will not be disappointed.
And I have to talk about the sets. The sets are technically very minimal, mostly made up of LED screens. I wasn’t sure about the LED screens; they are actually fantastic. The Romanov palaces, the train station, St. Petersburg, Paris, they all come to life on the screens. (I’m sure it makes the show easier on the stage crew, as well.) The physical pieces that they do have stand out because of it, as well. The train is one of the coolest set pieces I’ve ever seen, rotating 360° and working with the LED screens for a fun and fast moving “We’ll Go From There”. The sets would be nothing without the costumes, though. Anya’s blue evening gown, and red and gold gown for the finale are breathtaking, and I’m still thinking about those dresses now.
Anastasia “Extras”
If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that I was very excited to stagedoor for this show. (If you don’t know, stagedooring is where you wait outside of the stagedoor, and meet the cast as they leave. You can typically grab and autograph or a picture.) It was near impossible to get any information about it from the theatre, but I did glean that I should ask an usher… And when I asked an usher, she was quite rude about it. After yelling at me that they don’t have to (which I know and fully support), she said that they never go out the same door… Well, thankfully, I also asked at the merchandise stand and the loveliest girl let me know that they would be leaving via the stage door on Victoria. Sooooooo, I was able to meet nearly the entire cast! Ed Staudenmayer had his dog with him, and he was the most adorable sheltie. Lyrica Woodruff was so poised and kind! And Jake Levy and Lila Coogan graciously allowed me to fulfill a childhood dream when I met them. (Only 20 years in the making… I can die happy!) This is my lovely signed tote bag below my photo with Lila!
The merchandise is also fantastic. A lot of shows have a small selection, overcharge you, or both. Anastasia does neither! I knew that I was probably buying a lot… and I did! The full programme ($25 CAD) is gorgeous, and includes a lot of background info on the show. (Including costume design info, which is the best because the costumes are stunning.) The ornament ($30 CAD) is PERFECT and I can’t wait for it to go on my tree… once upon a December. (Don’t hate me.) The Royal Mess velvet pouch ($25 CAD) is a lovely nod to the Broadway production, and given that I live in a city colder than Mars, the toque ($25 CAD) was a must-have. And of course, my tote bag ($30 CAD) for signing. Prices are reasonable, and they are very well stocked!
Anastasia Tour Toronto Tickets
If you are lucky enough to find yourself near Toronto from now until January 12, 2020, you absolutely need to get yourself an Anastasia ticket. Playing at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in the entertainment district, it is more than worth the cost of the ticket. (The theatre itself is gorgeous, which helps.) There are nine shows a week, from Tuesday to Sunday with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. You can find tickets here! And thank you to Mirvish PR for providing the official production photos and info.
Will you be seeing the Anastasia tour in Toronto?
Cheers,
The Historian!
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin’
