Opera House Players, Enfield, CT
through May 18, 2025
by Shera Cohen
The musical “Anastasia” returns to CT after its premier at Hartford Stage some years ago, then onto Broadway. The story of Anastasia, daughter of the Romanov family of early 20th-century Russia during the Russian Revolution, is absorbing, emotional, and somewhat true.
The plot couples a history play with a mystery. Is this young woman really a street sweeper by trade, or the unbeknownst princess of the fallen Russian Empire?
In many aspects, especially in opening scenes, “Anastasia” is reminiscent of “My Fair Lady”. There’s the spitfire girl/woman taken under the wings by two male strangers. All is pure and innocent; the girl seeks her identity; the men seek profit; everyone can possibly win at no expense to the others.
A giant map of Europe and Russia stretches to create the entire backdrop; it remains throughout. The crew seems to utilize every inch of space permitted, yet at no point are the sets and actors crowded.
Moonyean Field’s masterful costuming is often taken for granted because her work is always extraordinary: elegant garb worn at the ball in old Russia, a full-stage flapper jazz concert in 1920’s France, and actual “Swan Lake” -type ballet performances within the play.
At the core of the tale is the erstwhile princess Anastasia, portrayed by Olivia Grimard, a newcomer to Opera House Players, and an amazingly talented singer/actress. Just about any local community theatre should try to scoop her up for future roles. Grimard plays the lead role as sharp, determined, and forthright. She’s sweet and rather petite in frame but holds her own with the male characters.
David Webber, Zach Bakken, and Michael Noel depict the roles of the men who Anastasia encounters on her journey to Paris to learn her identity. Each is a first-rate vocalist.
Without hesitation, OHP has assembled a troupe of the best community theatre voices in the region for “Anastasia”. Those in secondary, yet important roles, could easily turn in star performances, if required.