'Anastasia' is a Sweeping Fantasy of Love and History at La Mirada Theatre - Review
'Anastasia' revitalizes the myth based on the legend of the Grand Duchess' survival at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
On the eve of St. Barnabas’ Feast Day, it was fitting to attend the production of ‘Anastasia’, and La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts & McCoby Rigby Entertainment. Few modern musicals capture the grandeur of a bygone era, especially one worthy of the beloved story’s enduring legacy. Inspired by the 1997 animated film featuring the voices of Meg Ryan, John Cusack, and Angela Lansbury, this stage adaptation, with a book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty, transports audiences from the fading twilight of Imperial Russia to the vibrant elegance of 1920s Paris. Under the direction and choreography of Parker Esse, La Mirada’s ‘Anastasia’ emerges as a visually stunning, emotionally resonant and musically elaborate event.
‘Anastasia’ centers around Anya played by Lena Ceja, the young woman suffering from amnesia who may or may not be the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanov. Ceja is both vulnerability and and strong-willed as our lead. She skillfully portraying the young woman haunted by fragments of memory while yearning to discover her true identity. Having previously been impressed by her work in, ‘Tick, Tick... Boom!’ at Chance Theater, Ceja once again demonstrates she was born for the stage.
Opposite her, Dillon Klena is the charismatic, Dmitry Sudayev, a young man longing for freedom from the under the heel of the Soviet Union. His fear beneath his confidence, creating a compelling romantic counterpart for Anya. A fun fact for theater goers is that Dillon’s older brother, Derek Klena, originated the role of Dmitry on Broadway, but Dillon makes the role his own.
While the central romance is realized between our two, young leads, the evening’s showstoppers are Peyton Crim and Sarah Wolter as Vladimir “Vlad” Popov and Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch. Their chemistry is electrifying to the point, they could have lit the theater. From their first moments together Crim and Wolter brilliantly navigate the comic relief, a genuine emotional connection, exchanging witty banter, rekindling a long-lost romance or reflecting on a vanished Russia, the pair consistently command the stage. Their performances capture both the joy and sorrow of individuals attempting to preserve memories of a world that no longer exists.
Richard Bermudez brings complexity to Deputy Commissioner Gleb Vaganov. Rather than portraying a straightforward antagonist, Bermudez, who I had previously interviewed and scene in, ‘Man of La Mancha’ at Musical Theatre West, presents a deeply conflicted man trapped between ideological duty and personal conscience. His Gleb wrestles with the expectations of the Soviet State while developing a protective affection for Anya, creating one of the musical’s most compelling internal struggles. He elevates the character from a one dimensional villain to a genuine tragedy.
One of the evening’s standout vocal performances comes from Suzanna Guzmán as the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna Romanov. Guzmán’s owns the stage with her rich vocal delivery provide some of the most moving moments. She truly is regal and without question, my favorite songstress of the night.
The supporting company is just as impressive. Young performers Annabelle Bergold and Elayne Cowden add innocence to a fallen world as Young Anastasia and Alexei. The ensemble, which features Sofia Aniceto, Tucker Knowlton Boyes, Wes Dameron, Lauren Decierdo, Michael Deni, Christopher Ho, Anton Harrison LaMon, Tayler Mettra, Shanon Mari Mills, Natalie Palmgren, Rasha Willes-Samaha and Toni Elizabeth White showcases their versatility, shifting between Russian aristocrats, revolutionaries, Parisians, refugees and dreamlike figures.
Among an exceptionally talented ensemble, Kyle Vaughn consistently stood out. His dynamic stage presence, athleticism and fluidity made him this production’s scene stealer. Vaughn repeatedly drew the audience’s eye with his exceptional dance work.
Esse deserves tremendous credit for creating a show that is simultaneously intimate and epic. Drawing upon his extensive Broadway experience, including performances in the Tony Award-winning ‘Fosse’, Esse built and entire continent on a single stage. His choreography beautifully merges classical Russian ballet influences with contemporary musical theater, creating an East-meets-West aesthetic.
Musical Director and Conductor Ryan O’Connell is equally deserving of great praise. Having worked on more than one hundred productions as a musical director, orchestrator and composer, O’Connell reminds everyone why he is one of Southern California theater’s most respected talents. His work here elevates the entire production. The full orchestra does far more than accompany the performers, it creates a cinematic soundscape that sweeps audiences through every emotional turn. Full confession, I would be happy to sit in silence, listening the score to this musical.
The technical team created true spectacle. Lighting Designer Jennifer Edwards, Sound Designer Josh Bessom, Projection Designer Aaron Rhyne, Costume Coordinator Adam Ramirez, Hair and Wig Designer Kaitlin Yagen, and Properties Supervisor Kevin Williams collectively transported the audience across Europe in the early 20th Century. The closest spoiler I will give, is the creation of the flashback scene transported us to Anya’s memories.
Part of what makes ‘Anastasia’ such an enduring story is the historical mystery that inspired it. Following the Bolshevik Revolution and the fall of the Romanov dynasty, rumors circulated that the Grand Duchess had somehow escaped the execution that claimed the lives of the Royal Family. For decades, the legend captivated the world and became a symbol of hope for White Russians mourning the loss of the Imperialist nation. The myth of Anastasia’s survival allowed many to believe that a fragment of the old world had endured despite the Revolution’s devastation.
The tragic reality, unfortunately, is that Anastasia was executed alongside her family by Bolshevik forces in July, 1918. While modern forensic evidence has conclusively established the fate of the entire Romanov family, the legend persisted for much of the 20th century and ultimately inspired tales, including ‘Anastasia’. The Grand Duchess and the Royal Family were canonized as passion bearers by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) in 1981. They were later glorified by His Holiness Patriarch Allexy II, Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church during the Jubilee Bishops’ Council in Augus,t 2000. Understanding the historical contexts adds an element to the musical transforming it from a simple fairy tale into an exploration of memory, loss, identity and the enduring power o hope.
‘Anastasia’ at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts succeeds because it understands that beneath the lavish costumes, grand historical backdrop, and beloved songs lies a deeply human story about identity, memory, family, and belonging. This production embraces both the spectacle and the soul of the musical, delivering an evening that is visually dazzling, musically extraordinary, and emotionally satisfying.
For longtime fans of the animated film and newcomers alike, ‘Anastasia’ offers a magical journey into the past while reminding us that home is not simply where we come from; it is where we discover who we are meant to be.
To purchase tickets for ‘Anastasia’ at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts visit: https://lamiradatheatre.com/current_events/broadway_series/anastasia/ or call the Box Office at: (714) 994-6310 or (562) 944-9801.
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is located at:
14900 La Mirada Blvd.
La Mirada, CA 90638
5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️