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McCoy Rigby Entertainment cordially invites you to “Anastasia – The Musical” at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. A dash of “My Fair Lady” meets a sprinkle of “Fiddler on the Roof”. An unorthodox rags to riches tale that spins the fascinating hope behind a historical figure into intriguing fable. The luxury of faith and optimism can not be ignored thus continues to capture the imagination of the world and ensures the longevity of its memory. This musical production sweeps you into dreamful possibilities of heartfelt vocals and elaborate on pointe dances.
Inspired by the beloved 1997 animated film, “Anastasia” transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s. Brave young Anya (Lena Ceja) sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursed by ruthless Soviet officer Gleb Vaganov (Richard Bermudez) determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of dashing conman Dmitry (Dillon Klena) and lovable ex-aristocrat Vlad Popov (Peyton Crim). Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help Anya find home, love, and family. Residing in Paris awaits the exhausted Dowager Empress (Suzanna Guzman) who has grown doubtful of ever reuniting with her precious long lost grand daughter who is rumored to have survived an awful fate.
With its opulent settings, dazzling costumes, and a soaring score including song favorites “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December” from the hit animated film, “Anastasia” is perfect for the whole family — a spectacular musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be. As much influence as there is from the beloved animated movie, the creative team took liberties in reshaping the story for the stage adaptation. There is no mustache twirling villain with supernatural sorcerery to make the story based on tragically true events accessible to parents and young kids. More real world events take precedence and grounding the enchanting fable. The character Gleb as the main antagonist humanizes the adventure of self discovery.
Diehard fans of the animated movie may be quick to reject such changes as their sole depiction of Anastasia has been ingrained from childhood. If audiences are open to interpretation or better yet attending the stage adaptation with little to no recollection of the 1997 movie, a more pleasant experience is to be had. Characters are fleshed out more in original songs like “My Petersburg” and “The Neva Flows” and fits right alongside favorites from the animated counterpart.
The highly anticipated numbers from the beloved movie did not disappoint. “Once Upon a December” is a haunting memory within the delirious dream. “Journey to the Past” rings up the excitement of crossing the Russian border to France realizing the dream is another step closer to reality. A magnificent end of Act I before intermission on the heels of “Wicked”‘s “Defying Gravity” and “Frozen”‘s “Let It Go”.
Show stopping numbers find fun and delight throughout the extravagant production. “Land of Yesterday” puts a Russian dance spin on the classic bar and lounge scene. “The Countess and the Common Man” is uproarious romantic hysterics between Vlad and Countess Lily (Sarah Wolter). The professional ballet talent incorporating a show within the show with “Swan Lake” crafted in masterful whimsy during “Quartet at the Ballet”.
You couldn’t ask for a more perfect trio than Lena Ceja, Dillon Klena, and Peyton Crim in their respective principle roles. The chemistry with each other and the individual talents these thespians bring to the table and dance floor is nothing sort of perfection. They were meant to play these characters. Lena is beautifully graceful with power. Dillon is charming and observant. Peyton with a booming and jolly voice that could never get tiresome. Richard Bermudez stands and delivers the internal struggle within of duty and retaining what is left of his soul. A fitting role having previously lead the role of “Jekyll and Hyde”. The entire cast royally shines in glamorous prestige.
La Mirada Theatre presents “Anastasia – The Musical”. Book by Terrence McNally. Music by Stephen Flaherty. Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. From the play by Marcelle Maurette as adapted by Guy Bolton. Inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Picture. Musical direction by Ryan O’Connell. Direction and choreography by Parker Esse.
“Journey to the past” and find “Anastasia” at La Mirada Theatre from June 5 to June 28, 2026 before she disappears. For more information including ticket sales, visit https://lamiradatheatre.com
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