After much anticipation, Anastasia – The Hit Broadway Musical has begun preview performances at the Adelaide Festival Theatre ahead of the production’s official opening night on Wednesday 5 August.
Anastasia is a lavish musical for all ages, transporting audiences from the twilight years of the Imperial rule to the euphoria and exuberance of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman named Anya sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by an army officer determined to silence her, she enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.
Inspired by the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape in the dawning days of the Russian Revolution, and the 1997 Oscar-nominated animated film of the same name, Anastasia has been brought to life on stage by the Tony Award-winning creative team of Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.
Starring as the Countess Lily is cabaret and musical theatre royalty, and friend of Glam Adelaide, Rhonda Burchmore. Rhonda’s career has spanned well over 40 years including performing on London’s West End in Sugar Babies alongside Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller, as well as starring opposite David Atkins in the original production of Hot Shoe Shuffle. In recent years, Adelaide audiences have seen her star as Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray, as Sister Mary Lazarus in Sister Act: The Musical as well as in numerous cabaret shows.
Rhonda spoke to Glam Adelaide about the show, her character and what it is about the musical that drew her to be part of it.
“I didn’t know too much about it prior to the show being announced here in Australia. I knew my daughter loved the animated film. She was one of those ones that had it on loop and I’d kind of seen it in the background. I was still doing Sister Act when the producer John Frost rang me and told me there was a role that he would love me to consider doing: Countess Lily. I asked him about the role and he got me to listen to some of the songs and said she was the life of the party, a vodka-swigging, singing and dancing sort of person, as well as having the most beautiful costumes ever. It sounded like the perfect role and I’ve loved getting to play her every night.”
The score for Anastasia is beautiful and lush. It was written by the renowned writing team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, who have been referred to as “one of the greatest songwriting teams in Broadway history” (Chicago Tribune).
“I love the song Land of Yesterday that I get to do with the entire ensemble. It’s a real show-stopper number that I love. I also love Georgina Hopson doing Journey To The Past. And Josh Robson is one of our finest singers; hearing him sing The Neva Flows is divine. There’s also Elliot Baker who has the most extraordinary voice. He sings Stay, I Pray You in a very poignant scene at the train station. It’s one of my favourite numbers to listen to.”
Rhonda shared about her experiences playing the role of Countess Lily.
“I’m loving playing this role. The incredible Caroline O’Connor did it on Broadway, but I never got to see her portrayal of the role. I’ve heard the cast recording of course, but I have really been able to make her my own in terms of the comedy and my character choices. I love the glamour of playing that countess in the gowns that I get to wear along with the jewellery and the headpieces. It’s just stunning.”
The cast includes Georgina Hopson as Anya, Robert Tripolino as charming con artist Dmitry, Joshua Robson in the role of antagonist Gleb, Rodney Dobson as Vlad, and theatre icon Nancye Hayes AM in the role of the Dowager Empress.
The local Adelaide performers who scored the coveted role of Little Anastasia are Isla Bahrami (9 years old), Audrey Burnett (11 years old), Daisy Goodall (10 years old) and Aria Rose Piteo (10 years old).
“It is a beautiful company. Georgina, who is playing Anya, and I were in a production of Into The Woods together many years ago. Nancye Hayes and I have grown a beautiful friendship; she and I have become besties. We support each other, and Nancye is the only one in 220 shows that hasn’t missed one. She’s a really good example for the young people. It’s magical to work with her and be her lady-in-waiting.”
Anastasia — The Hit Broadway Musical has commenced its four-week run in Adelaide before moving to Brisbane.
“I think that the show is going to fit like an absolute glove here in Adelaide. It’s such a beautiful show, it’s just the whole experience, and Adelaide will love this and embrace it. I love the people of Adelaide. They really get behind you and support you. They also let you know whether they’re having a good time which I love. I know that Adelaide audiences will just embrace Anastasia.”
Anastasia – The Hit Broadway Musical is now playing at the Adelaide Festival Theatre for a limited season. Tickets are now on sale.
Anastasia – The Hit Broadway Musical
Adelaide Festival Theatre
From 2nd August 2026
https://anastasiathemusical.com.au/
Photo credit: Jeff Busby
