Anastasia the Musical brings the beloved 1997 animated film to the stage with breathtaking visual spectacle, soaring melodies and genuine emotional depth, anchored by Georgina Hopson's mesmerising performance as Anya and supported by a company of exceptional talent including Robert Tripolino, Joshua Robson, Rodney Dobson, Rhonda Burchmore and Nancye Hayes. Playing the Festival Theatre for a limited season, this Australian production balances grandeur with heart, delivering a story about identity and belonging through Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens' underrated score, seamless scenic design and choreography that honours both spectacle and storytelling. Rating: 5 stars
Review by Markus Hamence – Anastasia the Musical. Performance date: Wednesday 06 August 2026. Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide, South Australia.
Sweeping into Adelaide with breathtaking visual grandeur, soaring melodies and a story that balances history, hope and romance, this Australian production of Anastasia the Musical is a theatrical triumph that reminds us why large-scale musical theatre continues to captivate audiences.
Inspired by the much-loved 1997 animated film but reimagined for the stage with greater emotional depth, Anastasia follows the journey of Anya, a young woman with no memory of her past who finds herself travelling from post-revolutionary Russia to Paris in search of her identity. It's a tale wrapped in mystery, fuelled by resilience and carried by the universal desire to find where we truly belong. The production has been touring Australia before arriving in Adelaide for its limited Festival Theatre season.
Leading the production is Georgina Hopson, whose portrayal of Anya is nothing short of mesmerising. She captures every layer of the character, from vulnerability and uncertainty through to fierce determination and quiet confidence. Her vocals are crystal clear, effortlessly filling the theatre with warmth and emotion. Every musical number feels authentic, making Anya's journey one audiences become completely invested in.
"Anastasia doesn't simply recreate a beloved story - it elevates it into one of the most breathtaking musical experiences to grace the Adelaide stage." Markus Hamence
Opposite her, Robert Tripolino brings effortless charm to Dmitry. His chemistry with Hopson develops naturally throughout the evening, allowing the romance to bloom without ever feeling forced. Together they create moments of genuine tenderness while injecting plenty of humour and playful energy into the production.
Joshua Robson delivers a compelling performance as Gleb, presenting a character torn between duty and conscience. Rather than a one-dimensional antagonist, Robson finds the humanity within Gleb, making his internal conflict one of the show's emotional anchors. His powerful vocal performances add further weight to the role.
The supporting cast are equally outstanding. Rodney Dobson as Vlad offers impeccable comic timing and endless charisma, while Rhonda Burchmore steals every scene she enters as Countess Lily. Her larger-than-life personality, impeccable comic delivery and commanding stage presence provide some of the night's biggest laughs.
Then there is Australian theatre royalty Nancye Hayes as the Dowager Empress. Hayes brings remarkable dignity and emotional gravitas to every appearance. Her scenes become some of the most moving in the production, culminating in moments that leave the audience holding its collective breath.
Visually, Anastasia is spectacular. The scenic design seamlessly shifts from the grandeur of Imperial Russia to the glamour of 1920s Paris through an impressive blend of digital projections, elegant staging and cinematic transitions. Rather than overwhelming the story, the technology enhances it, creating an immersive experience that feels constantly alive.
“A breathtaking journey of hope, heart and home. Rich in spectacle and overflowing in emotion, this is theatre at its most magical” Markus Hamence
The costume design deserves special mention. Lavish gowns, military uniforms and Parisian couture create a feast for the eyes, with every detail helping establish both time and place. The production never misses an opportunity to impress visually, yet it never feels excessive or distracting.
The choreography flows beautifully throughout, balancing energetic ensemble numbers with intimate storytelling. The company moves with remarkable precision, creating dynamic stage pictures that continuously evolve without sacrificing emotional connection.
Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens' score remains one of modern musical theatre's most underrated treasures. Songs such as Journey to the Past, Once Upon a December and My Petersburg resonate deeply, combining memorable melodies with heartfelt storytelling. Performed by this outstanding cast, each number lands with emotional impact while showcasing exceptional vocal talent.
What elevates Anastasia beyond spectacle is its heart. Beneath the grandeur lies a story about identity, hope, family and discovering who you are despite the circumstances life places before you. Those themes remain timeless, giving the production an emotional resonance that lingers long after the curtain falls.
The audience's enthusiastic standing ovation was richly deserved. This is musical theatre on a grand scale, delivered with polish, passion and extraordinary craftsmanship. Every department, from the orchestra to the ensemble, works together seamlessly to create an unforgettable evening.
Whether you're revisiting a beloved story or discovering it for the first time, Anastasia offers two and a half hours of pure theatrical magic. It's romantic, moving, visually breathtaking and filled with performances that deserve the highest praise.
The Markus Wrap Up Rich in heart, breathtaking in scale and overflowing with world-class performances, Anastasia is a dazzling reminder that the greatest journeys aren't just across countries - they're the ones that lead us home.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Australian production images by Jeff Busby
