Joy Franz News

This Anastasia is impeccably performed, gorgeously rendered, and entertaining to be sure. Still, to me, the new songs don't soar alongside the old ones. I wonder how I'd feel if I didn't already know those old songs by heart. That's the risk the show's creators took in translating Anastasia for Broadway.

Watch the tale revolving around 'home, love, family' as Anastasia plays at the Marcus Center July 23-28.

Take a 'journey to the past' with the national tour of Anastasia as they play Overture Hall July 30 through Aug. 4,

Anastasia, currently playing through Sunday, June 30th at DeVos Hall, by the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime and inspired by the beloved films, Anastasia is the new dazzling Broadway Musical that transports the audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

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

Coming to the Durham Performing Arts Center from April 16th-21st is the national touring production of ANASTASIA. I recently had the great pleasure of interviewing actress Joy Franz, who is currently appearing in it as the Dowager Empress. A role that in the 1997 animated film was voiced by Angela Lansbury and on Broadway was originated by two-time Tony nominee Mary Beth Peil.

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.

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.

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!

ANASTASIA at the Hippodrome is full of charm and exuberance. Part modern fairytale, part musical history, the show takes full advantage of the glory that was Imperial Russia and the glitter of 1920s Paris.

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!

The National Tour of Anastasia had its official opening night in Schenectady, New York last week!  Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

Take the journey! The North American tour of the critically-acclaimed Broadway production of ANASTASIA will launch at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on October 9, 2018 and will go on to play 30 cities in its first season. This production features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush, new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) and direction by Tony Award-winning director Darko Tresnjak.

Watch below as we get to know the new company, plus Christy Altomare and the rest of the Broadway cast bid dasvidaniya as they get ready for a new journey!