One That Got Away: Anastasia

One That Got Away:

Anastasia (2017)

There are many reasons why someone might miss a show altogether. Maybe it closed before you could get to it. Maybe it was too hard to get a ticket. Or maybe it's simply not of interest to you. But it is a real head-scratcher for me as to why I missed Anastasia.

Let's take a closer look at this. It was at the Broadhurst for two full years, so there were plenty of chances to see it. It was written by some of my all-time favorite creators: Terrence McNally (book) and Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (score). I love everyone in the principal cast, particularly Ramin Karimloo, Derek Klena, and Anastasia herself, Christy Altomare. Doubly perplexing was missing Klena and Altomare after adoring them together in Carrie. And the astonishing (and award-winning) projections by Aaron Rhyne were the standard-making talk of the town - how could I not see that for myself.

Confession time: I have completely avoided the cast recording. I've not, to my knowledge, heard a single note of the score. I'm afraid I'll love it. Then I'll really kick myself for this One That Got Away!

Anastasia began its 34 previews at the Broadhurst Theatre on March 23, 2017, and opened on April 24, 2017. It was nominated for two 2017 Tony Awards: Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Mary Beth Peil) and Best Costume Design of a Musical (Linda Cho). After 808 performances, the show closed on March 31, 2019.

📸: M. Murphy