An absolutely enchanted evening awaits in Melbourne with Anastasia, the hit Broadway musical! Making the grandest of entrances, the crowd was full of excitement as their opening night carriage welcomed them into the Regent Theatre. With a sea of gold across the venue, beautiful dress-ups and a scattering of happy young princesses in the audience grinning ear to ear, we had truly stepped into a fairytale.
Our tale begins in 1906. The snow is falling, and we are privy to a special moment between little Anastasia Romanov, played on opening night with energetic spirit and joy by Lillian Kinter, and her grandmother, the Dowager Empress, played by Nancye Hayes, who gifts the young child a music box before heading to Paris.
Fast forward to 1917 and we arrive at the evening when the Russian Imperial family were executed to establish a new communist government. The world stood still in shatter and heartbreak, though it was believed perhaps Anastasia survived.
Moving on to 1927, rumours are rising as imposter princesses try to claim the family fortune. We meet the street cleaner Anya (Georgina Hopson) trying to make ends meet in a life she is living with no recollection of her past. All she knows is that she has a yearning to meet someone in Paris and finds herself caught up with two conmen trying to make the big bucks.
These sketchy characters are Dmitry (Robert Tripolino) and Vlad (Rodney Dobson), and they are putting together a scam. They are looking for someone to pretend to be the lost princess, in hope of presenting her to Countess Lily (Rhonda Burchmore) for a reward.
Following orders and in hot pursuit is officer Gleb Vaganov (Joshua Robson), whose father was one of the original executioners of the family. As the days go by, the Dowager Empress is losing faith in seeing her favourite granddaughter again.
Filled with adventure, romance and the search for identity, this musical production is the scent of freshly picked roses and the light in your eyes that glistens while watching flowers blossom. It’s sunshine and hope decorated with beautiful musical ornamentation.
The vocal talent is superb, with all songs delivered with power, strength, clarity and emotion. The harmonies echo out into the evening, and everyone on stage and in the orchestra is committed to telling this story with conviction. Every note, movement, action or reaction is precise.
We are drawn into this fictional world where the soundtrack plays on repeat. It hauntingly evokes a longing whilst shadows gently dance around in front of us, circling as a reminder of the ballerina in the music box. We relate to the characters, understand the historical events and feed off the storyline.
In all that is entertaining about Anastasia, the talent on display will make you speechless. Georgina Hopson leads the cast as our amnesic Anya, portraying her with strength, courage, fight and determination. She truly knows how to light up a stage and is this musical’s North Star.
As a naturally charming storyteller, Robert Tripolino as Dmitry brings drive to the themes of selflessness and a sense of belonging. He highlights hope with his down-to-earth mannerisms, depicting a different type of prince. One that is perhaps more obtainable and relatable. A common man who may win over the heart of an empress or countess, no matter his wealth or glory.
The pairing between Hopson and Tripolino is incredibly well-matched. They play off each other superbly, bringing out smiles in feistiness and sharing an understanding of trust. They encourage us to believe that not only is there love for everyone out there, but that you can make your own happily ever after that does not look like something out of a Little Golden Book.
There is no palace-balcony wave to the masses in this musical’s finale. The reward here is something more real and more human, and the tale is so powerful, you believe it could happen to you.
Providing many laughs with his confidence and charismatic play is the incredible Rodney Dobson. As Vlad, he swoons after Countess Lily in a joint flirtatious encounter that is one for the memory box of keepsakes.
Igniting the flame in Act Two as Countess Lily, Burchmore sweeps across the stage like Swarovski crystals that would never be attainable. She is outstanding in every way. What a gift it is to see her shine, sparkle and glisten under the spotlight with the audience cheering, laughing and applauding her performance.
Bringing poise and beauty as the Dowager Empress, the accomplished Nancye Hayes adds an umbrella of control over the entire production. She is stunningly glamorous throughout.
As the conflicted antagonist Gleb, Joshua Robson is unforgettable with his powerhouse vocals. He perfectly depicts the struggle between his duty to country and his feelings for Anya.
Highlights include the cleverly designed projections by Aaron Rhyne, the rotating train carriage, and the Neva Club dance scene. Song highlights include the Act One closer, Journey to the Past, the Act Two duet The Countess and the Common Man, and vocal solos from Elliot Baker as Count Ipolitov.
Director Darko Tresnjak, along with his creative team and producers John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia, have brought a gift to Melbourne with Anastasia. The production sends a clear message of hope and self-belief: “You can’t be anyone unless you recognise yourself.”
Anastasia is an incredibly well-told story and an artistic and creative delight. It provides a place for families to gather, feel a sense of home, and for audiences of all ages to embrace the past while imagining a brighter future that feels truly their own. Do not miss this sensational production!
Anastasia The Musical runs to 20 February 2026 at the Regent Theatre. 191 Collins Street Melbourne Vic 3000.
It will transfer to the Crown Theatre Perth from 3 March, the Lyric Theatre Sydney from 7 April and the Festival Theatre Adelaide from August 2026.
Tickets: https://anastasiathemusical.com.au/tickets/melbourne/
Website: https://anastasiathemusical.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiathemusicalau/
Photo credits: Jeff Busby
