Edward Staudenmayer News

Thankfully, when ANASTASIA hit Broadway, it dispensed with anyone immortal or winged, replacing fantasy with the real-world politics that led up to the Romanovs' demise. The added historical context grounds this once-wacky story, and frankly, I would have welcomed even more of it...

A Haunting Tale of Anastasia On Tour

AT THIS PERFORMANCE… returns featuring Standbys and Understudies from BE MORE CHILL; HADESTOWN; DEAR EVAN HANSEN; MEAN GIRLS; CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and HOLIDAY INN on MONDAY, MAY 6TH at 7 PM.

AT THIS PERFORMANCE... returns featuring Standbys and Understudies from BE MORE CHILL; CHOIR BOY; ONCE ON THIS ISLAND; THE OTHER JOSH COHEN; SUPERHERO and SWEENEY TODD on MONDAY, APRIL 8TH at 7 PM.

In 2017, the Broadway musical version of Anastasia (which opened at Hartford Stage nice months earlier), based on the 1997 film, featuring music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and a book by Terrence McNally debuted to much fanfare, and now Nashville audiences are in the thrall of the cast and crew of the national touring company, onstage at Tennessee Performing Arts Center's Andrew Jackson Hall through Sunday, March 24.

The musical ANASTASIA is the most saccharine, sweet, and kid-friendly musical I've seen to date. This all-ages production is particularly well suited for introducing younger audiences to the magic of musical theatre.

Stephen DeAngelis continues his ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys, Understudies and Alternates with its next edition of AT THIS PERFORMANCE... to be held on Monday, March 4th at The Green Room 42.

Whether you're a history buff, grew up with the film or are a newcomer to the mysterious story of the lost princess, you will find something to love. Run, don't walk to catch this instant musical theatre classic before it leaves Austin on February 17th.

'Heart, don't fail me now. Courage, don't desert me.' Based on the 1997 movie of the same name, ANASTASIA tells the story of the rumored surviving Romanov daughter and her journey into her past in order to find her future. Featuring beloved tunes such as 'Once Upon a December,' 'Learn to Do it,' and 'Journey to the Past,' this production includes a stunning score of new songs by Stephen Flaherty. This enchanting musical dives deeper into the story of the lost princess and the family she finds while trying to discover who she is.

Stephen DeAngelis continues his ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys, Understudies and Alternates with its next edition of AT THIS PERFORMANCE… to be held on Monday, February 4th at The Green Room 42, Green Fig, Fourth Floor, Yotel NYC, 570 Tenth Avenue (at 42nd Street), New York, NY 10036 at 7 PM. On this very special evening, the series will reach the milestone of having celebrated the talents of over 1000 diffeent peformers in its history. Hosted by series Producing Artistic Director and Casting Director Stephen DeAngelis, the popular series allows performers to showcase their versatility and share anecdotes about their experiences.

ANASTASIA opened at the Fox Cities Performing Center on January 8 and will continue to play through January 13. The show builds on the animated movie it is based on, adding new songs, more dynamic characters, and unbeatable staging, choreography, lighting, and costuming. While ANASTASIA is not a Disney production and lacks the buzz that Disney productions enjoy, it proves that the mouse does not have a monopoly on captivating family fare.

The National Tour of ANASTASIA will come to FOX Cities P.A.C. beginning January 8th, 2019!

Stephen DeAngelis continues his ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys, Understudies and Alternates with its next edition of AT THIS PERFORMANCE… to be held on Monday, December 17th at The Green Room 42, Green Fig, Fourth Floor, Yotel NYC, 570 Tenth Avenue (at 42nd Street), New York, NY 10036 at 7 PM. 

ANASTASIA, based on the 1997 animated musical film of the same name, tells the tale of the supposed daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, who was alleged to have escaped her family's execution. Though the plot is based on historical events, it's not necessarily historically accurate, preferring instead to gloss over the larger events and focus on the people like the Dowager Empress, who escaped the Russian Revolution and is alive in Paris, and Anya, the young girl who may be the lost princess. This romantic plot glosses over the nuances of Russian history, and focusing on one girl with no memory, and who she actually might be, and she happens to live in Leningrad. That's not to say this is all fluff, there are some stunning visuals that hint at the violence of the revolution. This show has clearly tried to appeal to both children and adults, and it's walked that line very well.

Stephen DeAngelis continues his ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys, Understudies and Alternates with its next edition of AT THIS PERFORMANCE… to be held on Monday, November 19th at The Green Room 42, Green Fig, Fourth Floor, Yotel NYC, 570 Tenth Avenue (at 42nd Street), New York, NY 10036 at 7 PM. 

Broadway's Anastasia celebrated its spectacular engagement at the Kennedy Center this week! Check out the company of the show at the festivities below!

This fable of a musical lacks passion and is rather bland.

Directed by Darko Tresnjak, 'Anastasia' is not to be missed at Kennedy Center. A strong story with an equally strong cast to bring it to life, coupled with some great music by one of Broadway's best writing teams, makes it a sure bet.

The National Tour of Anastasia had its official opening night in Schenectady, New York earlier this month and BroadwayWorld has an exclusive look inside their opening night cast party!