Anastasia was the “forgotten movie” of the ’90s. With the new musical, suddenly, many people remember it. Then, people want to see the musical. But is it worth the hype? 

This musical is worth the hype. Although it is not the same as the movie, because it would be hard to have a character whose mouth falls off while he’s talking, it still has those amazing songs, like Once Upon a December and Journey to the Past. The new villains are the Communists in Russia.  

Christy Altomare brought a whole new life to Anya. She shows how the character can be fragile at some points in the show, but also shows how Anya can be strong-willed. Her voice fills up the Broadhurst Theater. When she sings, not only can is the emotion prevalent in her face, but her emotion can be heard in her voice.  

John Bolton is perfect for the part of Vladimir. He sounds like Kelsey Grammer did in 1997. He had the same liveliness and showed the same love for Countess Lily, played by Caroline O’Connor.  

Derek Klena and Christy Altomare brought Dimitri and Anya’s love story to life. It shows how at first, they were trying to deny their feelings for each other. When they finally come to terms with their love, they show how in love they are with each other.  

The music in the show, although some is taken from the movie, is very good. The show has upbeat songs, slow songs, sad songs, and ballads. There are the classic songs from the movie, like “Once Upon a December” and “Journey to the Past.” Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens composed 19 new songs for the musical. Songs like “We’ll Go From There” and “Land of Yesterday” are big, ensemble numbers. There are also solo songs like “My Petersburg” and “Still.”  

Although while watching the show there was never a dull moment, there are a few boring songs when just listening to the cast album. Songs like “Still” and “The Neva Flows” are boring and dull to listen to.  

The set for the show was extravagant. There was a scene that they were at the ballet, and the boxes, a part of a theater where a limited number of people sit and are typically on the sides of the stage, come out. It feels like it is not on a stage but is in a theater.  

The costumes showed how everyone was in poverty at the time. In the beginning scene, everyone was in a nice ballgown or suit and as it goes into the next scene, after the communists take over, everybody is in dirty and ripped clothing.