Romance, Revolution and Radiance || Anastasia The Musical Enchants Melbourne

The Australian premiere of Anastasia The Musical unfolds in breathtaking style at Melbourne’s majestic Regent Theatre, a venue whose grandeur is perfectly matched to this lush Broadway masterpiece based on the animation of the same name. From its evocative score to its inventive staging, the production weaves an intoxicating blend of romance, history and theatrical spectacle, showcasing stellar design, sumptuous costumes and projections that transport the audience from Imperial Russia to jazz-age Paris with cinematic sweep.

Georgina Hopson is radiant as Anya, anchoring the show with a performance that balances emotional depth, vulnerability and resilient spirit. Hopson’s luminous voice and heartfelt portrayal bring Anya’s search for identity vividly to life; her journey from amnesiac wanderer to self-assured long lost princess is both affecting and thrilling, deeply rooting the audience in her emotional world while showcasing her technical and expressive vocal strength, especially during the iconic number ‘Journey to the Past’.

The central trio — Georgina Hopson (Anya), Robert Tripolino (Dmitry) and Rodney Dobson (Vlad) — share an easy, genuine camaraderie and banter on stage, their chemistry infusing the production with warmth, humour and emotional authenticity, and making their shared journey feel richly lived-in.

Robert Tripolino brings spirited verve to the role of Dmitry, infusing the charming conman with swagger, wit and a tender romantic core, while Joshua Robson delivers a nuanced, occasionally menacing and compelling Gleb, whose inner traumatic family conflict adds a dramatic edge to the narrative with his political agenda.

Rodney Dobson is magnetic as Vlad, imbuing the ex-aristocrat with both swaggering bravado and surprising vulnerability, and Rhonda Burchmore sparkles as Countess Lily with comic precision and glamorously show-biz presence. Dobson and Burchmore’s chemistry is completely compelling and the audience is locked in to their incredible comedic timing.

Nancye Hayes AM, in the role of the Dowager Empress, brings theatrical royalty to every moment, her seasoned performance a highlight that resonates with richness and depth.

The ensemble is a vibrant tapestry of talent, adding energy, nuance and textural richness to every scene. On stage with the principals are Sophia Bae (Odette), Elliot Baker (Count Ipolitov / Tsar Nicholas II), Billy Bourchier, Nicholas Cunningham, Davis Giotopoulos Moore (Siegfried), Todd Goddard (Count Leopold / Gorlinsky), Stephanie Kurlow (Dunya), Keian Langdon (Rothbart), Bella Minniti (Marfa), Nathan Stafford, Alexis van Maanen (Tsarina), Annie Wilson, Deone Zanotto (Countess Gregory) and Andrea Zappacosta (Paulina / Young Anastasia), with the swings Manon Gunderson-Briggs, Iosefa Laga’aia, Nathan Pinnell and Emma Russell ready to support and elevate the performance at every turn.

The young talents sharing the role of Little Anastasia — Bibiana Brudan, Eleanor Flynn, Alyssa Fooks and Lillian Kinter — bring a touching innocence and emotional clarity to the production, their joyful presence and poised performances adding poignant depth to Anya’s early memories and enriching the emotional through-line of the story.

Visually, Anastasia is nothing short of spectacular. The luxurious costumes evoke the elegance of a bygone era, moving effortlessly from imperial opulence to Parisian glamour, and solidly affirm why Linda Cho’s Tony Award nomination for costume design was so deserved — each garment is character-driven, richly detailed and instrumental in storytelling. Complemented by richly detailed sets and seamless projections — from the grandeur of Russian palaces to the shimmer of Parisian streets — the production creates a fully immersive theatrical world. The ingenious use of the train prop — so fluidly executed — epitomises the production’s flair for inventive, emotionally charged theatricality.

Altogether, Anastasia The Musical is a triumph of romance and theatrical splendour. Its emotional highs, historical sweep and electrifying performances make it an irresistible experience. The Regent Theatre’s resplendent setting is an ideal home for this Australian debut — a majestic beginning to what promises to be an unforgettable national tour.