Her “Nana” the Dowager Empress (well played by Joy Franz) had departed for Paris before the revolution. She becomes increasingly skeptical and jaded by impostors, claiming to be her beloved Anastasia.
Benevolent con artists (fantastic singers/actors Stephen Brower and Edward Staudenmayer) find the amnesiac street sweeper Anya (the talented Lila Coogan) and prep her for the trip to Paris. Conflicted Commissar Gleb (Jason Michael Evans) is sent to “eliminate” the possible Grand Duchess Anastasia.
Can he stop them? Is she the real thing? This charming script provides a satisfying resolution but still preserves the mystery.
This show embraces not only history, but also romance, comedy, poignancy — with an epic scope from St. Petersburg to Paris, encompassing many different scenes and a fantastic train ride between the two cities. The moving projections were meshed with set pieces to magnificent effect. (Scenic Design Alexander Dodge; Projection Design Aaron Rhyne)
The humorous high point of the show was when the jaunty Vlad (Edward Staudenmayer) was reunited with his former consort, the hilarious and adorable Countess Lily (Tari Kelly) “The Countess and the Common Man.”
Anastasia continues at Wharton Center though Sunday.
https://www.whartoncenter.com