ANASTASIA Sets March 31st Closing Date- Page 3

[dfrillsnedit]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 12:01pm

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "
Back to the actual discussion - I think they did a fine job of adapting the material, but I agree that Gleb’s character needed to be more fleshed out. I actually love the new songs and found the projections to be better than I expected. Christy’s performance was wonderful,but I also think that a number of people could have done the role justice. I think Laura Osnes could have been a good Anya as well.Maybe part of the reason I like the show is because of my ties to the animated film, as well as the Romanov family in general. It was one of my favorite movies as a child and I became a historical nerd on the subject in high school and college, as it really is fascinating.

Ideally I would have liked if the ending was more of a twist. The happily-ever-after, almost-identical to Wicked ending is boring.It would have been more interesting had they tied in the original ending of Anya/Anna Anderson,which is that after she died it was discovered that she was a fraud with no DNA ties to the family, and a few decades later they found the missing daughter buried with thebrother.I think that would have been a great shock of an ending to anyone in the audience who doesn’t know much about the real story."

That's an interesting idea! I think if the score/show wasn't so tied to the animated movie in a lot of ways, it would be have been cool to have seen a twist. 

And imo, I think Christy was one of the biggest selling points of this show and reasons I have/continued to come back. Any issues that I have with Anya/the show are in the script, not at all with her or the original cast. Cody has honestly been the one casting issue I had with the entire run of this production - aside from a silly nitpick: The girl that plays Anastasia as a teen (?) looked way too similar to Christy in age, so I always thought that time shift made no sense, visually. 

[dfrillsnedit]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 12:16pm

BroadwayPrincess3 said: " i enjoyed the show, but you’re right. The characterization was the weakest part. Gleb really didn’t have a motive. They had something there, what with his father being one of the men that invaded, and his mother being against it, but it went nowhere. How does he fall in love instantly with a street sweeper? It would’ve made more sense if he had assumed movie Dmitri’s role and smuggled her out, only to end up leading the revolution years later."

Yes, exactly. Like I think it would have been stronger if Gleb had even more of a relationship with Anya as a child - maybe via flashbacks, or just something to show them having something other than exposition as the foundation of their relationship. It makes the limited "romantic tension" and random bits of guilt he has throughout the show seem so empty, which results in the ending feel so poorly resolved.

I will say that when Ramin was in the role, he did (like he does in all his popular roles - esp. Phantom) show the vulnerability and conflict within Gleb as best he could even with the limiting  material. But still, it all circles back to how ultimately rushed so many of the characters feel in their motives and actions. 

[bwayrose7]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 1:50pm

dfrillsnedit said: "BroadwayPrincess3 said: "i enjoyed the show, but you’re right. The characterization was the weakest part. Gleb really didn’t have a motive. They had something there, what with his father being one of the men that invaded, and his mother being against it, but it went nowhere. How does he fall in love instantly with a street sweeper? It would’ve made more sense if he had assumed movie Dmitri’s role and smuggled her out, only to end up leading the revolution years later."

Yes, exactly. Like I think it would have been stronger if Gleb had even more of a relationship with Anya as a child - maybe via flashbacks, or just something to show them having something other than exposition as the foundation of their relationship.It makes the limited"romantic tension" and random bits of guilt he has throughout the showseemso empty, which results in the ending feel so poorly resolved.

I will say that when Ramin was in the role, he did (like he does in all his popular roles - esp. Phantom) show the vulnerability and conflict within Gleb as best he could even with the limiting material. But still, it all circles back to how ultimately rushed so many of the characters feel in their motives and actions."

From day one, I've said that they should have kept the "boy who opened a wall" bit from the movie - but given it to Gleb instead of Dmitry, and let his arc be based on the conflict between knowing what he did, trying to hide it, and whether or not he will save her life again. I hated the romantic tension, although I did like that Gleb had awkward moments and wasn't just Russian Javert.

Also, if anyone is looking for a more complex take on the Anastasia legend that does deal with the Anna Anderson of it all,  the book I Was Anastasia is really good!

[theaterlyfe19]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 2:47pm

haterobics said: "theaterlyfe19 said: "The way she went from quiet, shy, reluctant to face what could be her possible identity and then to become someone strong and able to speak for herself was an award winning performance."

What award would that be?"

 

just because she didnt win a Tony that doesn’t mean any award is any less significant. 

 

Won: Connecticut Critics Circle Award

Theatre World Award Honoree 

Broadway.com Star of the year 

 

nomiafed for 

Drama desk and outer critics circle awards 

 

and domt be a snob and tell me these aren’t significant-where are your awards? 

 

[Kad]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 2:51pm

I'm surprised she didn't win the plaque from the Halsingborg Arts Council Amateur Theatre Group.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 2:52pm

Look, nothing against the girl but you didn't exactly prove your point by saying the awards she won are online polls..

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 3:03pm

theaterlyfe19 said: "haterobics said: "theaterlyfe19 said: "The way she went from quiet, shy, reluctant to face what could be her possible identity and then to become someone strong and able to speak for herself was an award winning performance."

What award would that be?"



just because she didnt win a Tony that doesn’t mean any award is any less significant.



Won: Connecticut Critics Circle Award

Theatre World Award Honoree

Broadway.com Star of the year



nomiafed for

Drama desk and outer critics circle awards



and domt be a snob and tell me these aren’t significant-where are your awards?"

Lol. Just lol.

 

[BroadwayPrincess3]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 3:07pm

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "
Back to the actual discussion...Christy’s performance was wonderful,but I also think that a number of people could have done the role justice. I think Laura Osnes could have been a good Anya as well.“

 

I personally think Osnes doesn’t quite have the grit and the comedy to do Anya. I think she’s a lovely performer, but I don’t know Anastasia would be in her wheelhouse. She made a perfect Cinderella because she easily embodies that humble regality needed. Anya is much more stubborn and temperamental. Almost the way Belle in Beauty and the Beast is. Sure, they’re princesses, but there’s a grounding that’s needed for the character to make sense. 

Sorry that was off topic :) (also, your suggestion for the end would’ve been a lot better. I love a bittersweet ending.)

[SomethingPeculiar]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 3:22pm

theaterlyfe19 said: "The way she went from quiet, shy, reluctant to face what could be her possible identity and then to become someone strong and able to speak for herself was an award winning performance."


Sounds like you're describing the character, not the performance?

That was a stacked year at the Tonys: three of the Best Actress nominees were from Best Musical/Revival nominees (Midler, Benton, Noblezada) and the other two were Broadway legends with acclaimed performances (Ebersole & LuPone). Many great performances weren't nominated throughout history: Chita for West Side, Barbara Cook for She Loves Me, Dustin Hoffman in Death of a Salesman, Tveit in N2N and Catch Me, and Osnes, Soo, and Dreyfuss that year.

Anastasia had a mixed-to-negative critical reception, and the only critic who matters (NYT) didn't love her: "Ms. Altomare commits herself to her part with melodramatic focus and a soaring pop voice. Once she switches from her street-sweeper rags into Parisian haute couture you may discern a resemblance to that current fashion plate of American royalty, Ivanka Trump." I think her 2+ year commitment to this musical speaks more than the quality of her performance, or the awards she did or didn't receive.

Updated On: 2/7/19 at 03:22 PM

[dfrillsnedit]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 6:12pm

bwayrose7 said: "From day one, I've said that they should have kept the "boy who opened a wall" bit from the movie - but given it to Gleb instead of Dmitry, and let his arc be based on the conflict between knowing what he did, trying to hide it, and whether or not he will save her life again. I hated the romantic tension, although I did like that Gleb had awkward moments and wasn't just Russian Javert.
"

YEP, all this. That aspect of the movie is one of the best parts of Dimitri's character, and to have that be eliminated/changed to him just being a boy who she ran into once... I dunno, it always took the weight out of their romance for me. And personally, I wouldn't have minded the romantic tension for Gleb, if it had actual concrete development and purpose other than something briefly hinted at. Either use it, or don't. 

And thanks of the recommendation! :) 

[theaterlyfe19]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 7:33pm

Oh get over yourselves. I don’t need to have an opening statement, thesis, 3 paragraphs and conclusion on why I think Christy is great. Be offensive all you want-I’ll be supportive. Byeeee

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 9:04pm

GiantsInTheSky2 said: Ideally I would have liked if the ending was more of a twist. The happily-ever-after, almost-identical to Wicked ending is boring.It would have been more interesting had they tied in the original ending of Anya/Anna Anderson,which is that after she died it wasdiscovered that she was a fraud with no DNA ties to the family, and a few decades later they found the missing daughter buried with thebrother.I think that would have been a great shock of an ending to anyone in the audience who doesn’t know much about the real story."

Wait... what? How is it at all like the ending of Wicked? That's a genuinely baffling statement.

Also, lol. That was never going to be the ending of the musical. It would have been a terrible downer for what's essentially a fairy tale/family musical. At best, maybe the Dowager Empress would have realized she was a fraud (and her real relative died) but decided to accept her anyway because she saw that Anya had a good heart. But Anya still walks away at the end saving her from making the decision to publicly accept her as the real Anastasia. Shocking audience members who don't know history is not a good enough reason to slap on an ending that doesn't make sense thematically.

I agree that losing the boy who opened a wall bit was a mistake, whether they gave it to Dimitri or to Gleb. In a Crowd of Thousands isn't a good enough song to make up for it. 

Gleb made less sense as a love interest than everyone in Doctor Zhivago.

[Moderator]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 10:11pm

Ok, everybody. I think that it's time to get the conversation back on track. There's no need to bicker amongst ourselves. If that is the line of conversation that this thread continues to take, we will assume that the discussion has run its natural course, and we will lock the thread. Hopefully that won't be necessary. 

Have a great night, and happy chatting, all!

[BroadwayPrincess3]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 10:53pm

VintageSnarker said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said:Ideally I would have liked if the ending was more of a twist. The happily-ever-after, almost-identical to Wicked ending is boring.It would have been more interesting had they tied in the original ending of Anya/Anna Anderson,which is that after she died it wasdiscovered that she was a fraud with no DNA ties to the family, and a few decades later they found the missing daughter buried with thebrother.I think that would have been a great shock of an ending to anyone in the audience who doesn’t know much about the real story."

Wait... what? How is it at all like the ending of Wicked? That's a genuinely baffling statement.

 

I think OP meant the staging. Fiyero and Elphaba lock arms and walk slowly away in the centre of the stage, and Dmitri and Anya essentially do the same thing. Actually, that reminds me of the Hartford staging where they ended up in the frame of a slow dance while everyone surrounded them, mirroring the music box. That was a cute touch. Wonder why it was cut. 
 

[BroadwayRox3588]

Posted: 2/7/19 at 11:40pm

It makes me incredibly sad that this thread devolved into an argument, instead of just a discussion about the show. I want to second the moderator's request, because as someone to whom Anastasia means the absolute world, I really don't want to see this thread get locked.

If you don't like Anastasia, your opinion is completely valid, and you have every right to speak it.

[haterobics]

Posted: 2/8/19 at 2:34am

theaterlyfe19 said: "just because she didnt win a Tony that doesn’t mean any award is any less significant."

That's actually exactly what it means.

 

[theaterlyfe19]

Posted: 2/8/19 at 4:44am

The Theatre World award is also given for an outstanding Broadway debut. I’m not 100% sure, but I think you can only get it once in your career. So that’s nothing to be a snob about.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/8/19 at 6:48am

Wait, so now disagreeing with you is...defensive? Put that shoe on your other foot.

I found the while thing boring, including Christy. Not bad, just boring. Transitioning from shy to confident is, perhaps one of the easiest things for an actor to do.

This isnt about being unsupportive, it's being critical. Which is not a bad word. Fangirl over her all you like, but your opinion is no more or less important than anyone else's.

You are the one upset by conversation. People ARE discussing the show, you just dont like what they are saying.

Updated On: 2/8/19 at 06:48 AM

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 2/8/19 at 6:52am

theaterlyfe19 said: "3. I think we should step back from the direct attacks on other people and steer this convo back to the topic."

Ummmm... YOU are the one making direct attacks on people who disagree with you and people who are not die-hard fans of Christy... 

 

[theaterlyfe19]

Posted: 2/8/19 at 7:29am

I’m not a die hard fan. I just respect her. On the subject of casting someone else, remember what happened with Zach Adkins? They could have done the same with Christy.

Because other people were saying rude comments to begin with. Am I supposed to ignore someone saying rude things about someone that I admire (that I’m not a die hard fan of but admire)?

Could a moderator please lock this thread. I think that would be a good idea.

[theaterlyfe19]

Posted: 2/8/19 at 8:15am

Kad said: "I'm surprised she didn't win the plaque from theHalsingborg Arts Council Amateur Theatre Group."

No need to be so sarcastic. 

[theaterlyfe19]

Posted: 2/8/19 at 8:17am

BroadwayPrincess3 said: "GiantsInTheSky2 said: "
Back to the actual discussion...Christy’s performance was wonderful,but I also think that a number of people could have done the role justice. I think Laura Osnes could have been a good Anya as well.“



I personally think Osnes doesn’t quite have the grit and the comedy to do Anya. I think she’s a lovely performer, but I don’t know Anastasia would be in her wheelhouse. She made a perfect Cinderella because she easily embodies that humble regality needed. Anyais much more stubborn and temperamental. Almost the way Belle in Beauty and the Beast is. Sure, they’re princesses, but there’s a grounding that’s needed for the character to make sense.
I have to agree. If the show had remained open, I couldn't have imagined Osnes as Anya. Also...doesn't she prefer to originate roles rather than replace others?


Sorry that was off topic :) (also, your suggestion for the endwould’ve been a lot better. I love a bittersweet ending.)"

 

[theaterlyfe19]

Posted: 2/8/19 at 8:25am

SomethingPeculiar said: "theaterlyfe19 said: "The way she went from quiet, shy, reluctant to face what could be her possible identity and then to become someone strong and able to speak for herself was an award winning performance."


Sounds like you're describing the character, not the performance?

That was a stacked year at the Tonys: three of the Best Actress nominees were from Best Musical/Revival nominees (Midler, Benton, Noblezada)and the other two were Broadway legends with acclaimed performances(Ebersole & LuPone).Many great performances weren't nominated throughout history:Chita for West Side, Barbara Cook for She Loves Me, Dustin Hoffman in Death of a Salesman,Tveit in N2N and Catch Me, andOsnes, Soo, andDreyfuss that year.

Anastasia had a mixed-to-negativecritical reception, and the only critic who matters(NYT) didn't love her:"Ms. Altomare commits herself to her part with melodramatic focus and a soaring pop voice.Once she switches from her street-sweeper rags into Parisian haute couture you may discern a resemblance to that current fashion plate of American royalty, Ivanka Trump."I think her 2+year commitment to this musical speaks more than the quality of her performance, or theawards she did or didn't receive."

Honest question because I'm truly curious--how  many of you see shows based on reviews, and how many see shows because it might be based on somehing you grew up with, and you want to see how it translates to the stage? A lot of people love Ramin and he was a part of this musical. How many of you think his name drew audiences, instead of reviews? Not every single person who gets tickets to see a show gets them based on reviews. I personally very rarely read them. Not everyone does. I've worked in theaters where the reviews from the NYT weren't always favorable, but I personally loved the show. Not everyone bases their decisons on reviews. 

[Lot666]

Posted: 2/8/19 at 8:50am

theaterlyfe19 said: "A lot of people love Ramin and he was a part of this musical. How many of you think his name drew audiences, instead of reviews? Not every single person who gets tickets to see a show gets them based on reviews. I personally very rarely read them. Not everyone does. I've worked in theaters where the reviews from the NYT weren't always favorable, but I personally loved the show. Not everyone bases their decisons on reviews."

I had not seen the animated film and knew nothing about Anastasia, but purchased tickets for the Broadway production primarily because I had been impressed by Mr. Karimloo's previous work (the show ultimately proved disappointing to me). I read reviews, but take them with a grain of salt and definitely don't let them stop me from seeing something that seems interesting to me.

[Kad]

Posted: 2/8/19 at 9:46am

theaterlyfe19 said: "Because other people were saying rude comments to begin with. Am I supposed to ignore someone saying rude things about someone that I admire (that I’m not a die hard fan of but admire)?"

Yes. 

And they weren't rude. Her performance was simply not some people's cup of tea. Their opinions are as valid as yours, don't negate yours, and don't demean you personally.