The musical Anastasia at QPAC is a visually spectacular and emotionally engaging production that successfully brings the beloved story of lost identity, family, and hope to life. Combining outstanding performances, impressive choreography, beautifully crafted costumes, and immersive set design, the production delivers an experience that captures the magic and grandeur audiences expect from a major musical theatre production. While there were a few minor technical issues relating to sound balance throughout the performance, these moments did little to diminish what was otherwise an exceptional theatrical experience.
One of the greatest strengths of the production is its talented cast. The actors portraying Anastasia (Anya) and Dimitri demonstrate excellent chemistry throughout the show, creating a believable and engaging relationship that develops naturally across the narrative. Their interactions feel genuine, allowing the audience to become invested in their journey from reluctant travelling companions to romantic partners. Both performers bring emotional depth to their characters, effectively conveying the uncertainty, hope, and vulnerability that underpin the story. Their vocal performances are equally impressive, particularly during the production’s more emotional musical numbers, where they capture both the intimacy and grandeur of the score.
A particularly noteworthy performance comes from the actor portraying Gleb. His powerful and expressive voice consistently stood out throughout the production, adding significant emotional weight to the character. Gleb is one of the musical’s most complex roles, requiring the performer to balance loyalty, duty, and personal conflict. The actor successfully communicated these tensions, particularly during his solo numbers and key dramatic scenes. His vocal strength enhanced every appearance, making Gleb one of the most memorable characters in the production.
Beyond the principal cast, the extended ensemble deserves significant praise. The success of a large-scale musical often depends on the strength of its ensemble performers, and Anastasia is no exception. The ensemble members demonstrated a high level of professionalism and skill throughout the performance, particularly in the production’s dance sequences and scene work. Their energy, precision, and commitment helped bring each location and moment to life, whether portraying members of Russian high society, travellers on the move, or citizens of Paris. The choreography was executed with confidence and enthusiasm, contributing significantly to the production’s overall sense of scale and spectacle.
The production’s visual elements were equally impressive. The costumes were beautifully designed and thoughtfully constructed, helping to immerse the audience in the historical setting of the story. Costume design plays a crucial role in a period musical such as Anastasia, and this production generally excelled in creating garments that reflected both the grandeur of imperial Russia and the sophistication of 1920s Paris. The costumes worn by the royal family and their attendants were particularly successful. Filled with rich textures, elegant detailing, and glamorous styling, these costumes effectively communicated the wealth and prestige of the Romanov court. They added a sense of authenticity and splendour to the production while enhancing the visual impact of many key scenes.
Similarly, the set design was both creative and effective. The production’s use of scenery and staging successfully transported audiences between a range of locations, helping to maintain the story’s momentum while creating a strong sense of immersion. One particularly memorable example was the train sequence during “We’ll Go From There.” The combination of clever set usage, strong performances, and effective vocal work created a dynamic and engaging scene that stood out as one of the production’s highlights. The staging successfully captured the excitement and movement of travel while allowing the performers to maintain strong characterisation and musical storytelling.
Another standout moment occurred during “Still/The Neva Flows Reprise.” This emotionally charged scene showcased the dramatic capabilities of the performers portraying Anastasia and Gleb. Both actors fully conveyed the intensity and emotional complexity of the moment, creating a powerful atmosphere that captured the audience’s attention. Their vocal performances were particularly moving, while their acting effectively communicated the internal struggles experienced by their characters. The scene represented some of the strongest dramatic work in the production and demonstrated the cast’s ability to balance the musical’s larger spectacle with deeply personal storytelling.
Despite the many strengths of the production, there were a few areas where improvements could be made. The most noticeable issue related to sound design and microphone balance. At several points during the performance there appeared to be technical difficulties with the microphones, resulting in occasional feedback that distracted from the action on stage. While these moments were relatively brief, they were noticeable enough to interrupt the audience’s immersion. Additionally, there were instances during certain musical numbers when the orchestra overpowered the cast’s voices. Musical theatre relies heavily on a careful balance between performers and accompaniment, and at times it became difficult to fully appreciate the lyrics because of the volume of the music. Although these issues were not constant, addressing them would further strengthen the production.
There was also one costume-related element that felt less successful than the rest of the show’s visual design. The costumes featured in the Act Two opening number, “Paris Holds the Key (To Your Heart),” did not appear as polished or memorable as many of the other costumes throughout the production. This was particularly noticeable in Anya’s costume, which felt relatively plain compared with the glamour and visual richness evident elsewhere in the show. Given that the number celebrates the elegance and vibrancy of Paris, stronger costume choices could have enhanced the scene’s visual impact and better reflected the excitement of Anya’s arrival in the city.
Overall, Anastasia at QPAC is an outstanding production that successfully combines strong performances, impressive choreography, effective staging, and beautiful costume design to create an immersive theatrical experience. The chemistry between Anastasia and Dimitri, the exceptional vocal performance of Gleb, and the talents of the ensemble all contribute to a compelling and memorable show. While some minor sound issues and a handful of less impressive costume choices prevented the production from being flawless, these shortcomings were far outweighed by its many strengths. Through its combination of emotional storytelling and visual spectacle, Anastasia delivers a captivating evening of musical theatre and stands as a worthy adaptation of a beloved story. For audiences seeking a production filled with heart, talent, and theatrical magic, Anastasia at QPAC is well worth seeing.