All-New Production Of "Anastasia" Debuting At Bucks County Playhouse

NEW HOPE, PA — This holiday season, audiences are invited to take a journey to the past — stopping in Belle Epoque Paris and beyond — as Bucks County Playhouse debuts an all-new production of “Anastasia: The Musical,” November 22 through January 5.

The Playhouse’s Producing Director Alexander Fraser, Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, and Producer Josh Fiedler announced casting and details for the musical, which is the final presentation of the Playhouse’s 2024 season.

From the Tony Award-winning creators of the “Ragtime,” this dazzling show transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya 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.

“I love romantic musicals and I’ve been fascinated by the mystery of Anastasia since I was a child,” says Producing Director Alexander Fraser. “It’s thrilling to see how the creators of this Broadway musical have envisioned the story in a remarkable and fascinating way — one that has made the story timeless.”

“Anastasia” features a book by 4-time Tony winner, Terrence McNally, and a lush score by the Tony Award-winners Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics). The playhouse production features choreography by Al Blackstone and direction by Eric Rosen.

The cast includes Lyda Jade Harlan (“Scouts” Off-Broadway and “Maggie” at Goodspeed) who makes her Bucks County Playhouse debut as Anya, Mason Reeves (National Tour of “Disney’s Frozen,” and BCP’s “Guys and Dolls”) as Dmitry, Erik Lochtefeld (Broadway’s “King Kong”) as Vlad, Roe Hartrampf (Broadway’s “Diana” and BCP’s “Noises Off”) as Gleb, Kate Marilley (National Tour of “Beetlejuice”) as Countess Lily, and Christine Toy Johnson (Broadway’s “The Music Man” and National tours of “Come From Away”, “Flower Drum Song”) as Dowager Empress.

The ensemble includes Anna Bermudez (“Broadway Backwards”), Alex Caldwell (National Tour of “Dirty Dancing”), Tracy Dunbar (Pittsburgh Public’s ““Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For”), Gina Gagliano (Surflight’s “Legally Blonde”), Chelsea Cree Groen (National Tour of “Hello, Dolly!”), Michael Allan Haggerty (National Tour of “Disney’s Frozen”), Maya Imani (Fulton’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”), L'ogan J'ones (Broadway’s “SpongeBob SquarePants”), Aidan B. Jones, Laura Katherine Kaufman (National Tour of “Cats”), Colby Marie Lewis (National Tour of “Anastasia”), Devon McCleskey (National Tour of “Pretty Woman”), Michael Mottram (Royal Caribbean’s “Hairspray”) and Leeanna Rubin (National Tour of “Annie”).

The creative team includes Jack Magaw (Set Design), Ricky Lurie and Jess Gersz (Co-Costume Design), Wheeler Moon (Lighting Design), Sam Kusnetz (Sound Design), Michael Salvatore Commendatore (Projection Design), J. Jared Janas (Hair/Wig Design), and Evan Zavada (Music Direction). Merrick Williams is the Production Stage Manager. Casting by Paul Hardt, CSA.

Tickets to “Anastasia” start at $39. A special Pay-What-You-Can Night will be held at the first preview on Friday, November 22. The official opening night is Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. The production is sponsored by Capital Health. Opening Night is sponsored by Oldestone Steakhouse in New Hope. The Audience Services Sponsor for “Anastasia” is BLBB Advisors. The 2024 Season is sponsored by Bank of America.

“Anastasia” will run from November 22 through January 5. “Anastasia” will play the following schedule: Tuesday through Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Special holiday week performances are Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 29 at 1:30 p.m.., Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 1:30 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 27 at 1:30 p.m.. There are no performances on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day. Tickets may be purchased now via the Bucks County Playhouse box office by calling (215) 862-2121 or online at BucksCountyPlayhouse.org.