It’s one of the great romantic legends in history: The youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II supposedly survived the 1918 execution of her family and fled Russia.
The rumor that the 17-year-old Grand Duchess Anastasia escaped death inspired several films and a 2017 musical that was produced on Broadway and in many other cities worldwide.
The Broadway staging even generated a nickname for the devoted followers of the musical: “Fanastasias.”
Now, Greenville Theatre is presenting South Carolina’s first regional-theater production of “Anastasia,” running Dec. 5-22.
The musical, based on the 1997 animated film of the same name, centers on Anya, a teenage amnesiac orphan struggling to survive in a starving and desperate St. Petersburg 10 years after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.
Down-at-heel con artists Dmitry and Vlad come up with a plan to pass Anya off as the missing Anastasia, taking her to Paris to meet Anastasia’s last surviving relative, who is waiting with a hefty reward.
But is it possible that Anya may be the real Anastasia?
“It’s a beautiful show — magical, sweeping and epic,” said Max Quinlan, producing artistic director of Greenville Theatre.
“It’s also perfect for the holiday season with its themes of love, home and family,” he added.
‘Incredible company’
The musical score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (“Ragtime,” “Once On This Island”) features a mix of haunting ballads and uptempo showstoppers in traditional Broadway and pop styles.
“They’re two of the greatest composers of our time,” Quinlan said of Flaherty and Ahrens. “Their take on this story is really beautiful, poignant and accessible. They really know how to make a moment sing.”
The musical features an all-local cast of 26 and sumptuous costumes, Quinlan said.
“We have wonderful voices and people who really embody the characters,” Quinlan said. “I’m excited to showcase this incredible company we have.
“Our costumes are stunning,” he added. “I think they’re going to wow and amaze our audience.”
In addition to “Anastasia,” Greenville Theatre will host a one-night-only concert featuring Christy Altomare, Broadway’s original Anastasia on Dec. 17. The cabaret concert will feature songs and stories from Altomare’s Broadway career including leading roles in “Mamma Mia!,” “Spring Awakening,” “Camelot” and, of course, “Anastasia.”
Want to go?
What: “Anastasia,” the musical
When: Dec. 5-22
Where: Greenville Theatre, 444 College St.
Tickets: $40
Info: 864-233-6238 or greenvilletheatre.org
