I had the honor of seeing Anastasia this week at the Kimmel Center Campus; Merriam Theatre. It was absolutely amazing in every way. The show featuring it’s first Black actress in the leading role, Kyla Stone. She is captivating and outstanding. There are only less than 4 opportunities to see it this weekend as the show ends Sunday November 28th. Do not miss it.
Kimmel Center Campus Safety Protocols
As with life we are all having to make adjustments in this new normal. Broadway and all other shows are no different. At any of the Kimmel Center shows please be mindful to arrive a few minutes early to the show. You will need to have your vaccination card and identification. If you aren’t fully vaccinated and under the age of 12 you will also need to have a PCR test that shows negative results. This is to help keep the audience and performers as safe as possible. The check in line for checking vaccination cards moved rather fast and efficient.
The Story
If you have never seen any of the stories of Anastasia its an adaptation of the the musical Grand Duchess Anastaia Nikolaevna of Russia. The Grand Duchess escapes execution and loses her entire family. Her journey back to her grandmother is the focus in which Anastasia learns who she is and leans on others for help. Anastasia is led on this journey by two con men who don’t yet realize just who she is.
The Production
We need to give the Production Team a raise. All of the production of Anastasia was eye catching and captivating. With this being my first welcome back to Broadway shows it surpassed my expectations in every single way. I fell in love with the show from when the curtain opened. The imagery, colors, and lights were well placed. I loved how it added life to the scenes. Its magical in the way that only Broadway can do.
Musicals are Life
One thing about Broadway is that they have the ability to take a story and breath life into them in ways that only viewing them in person can bring. The Kimmel Center takes the audience on this musical ride that is so invigorating that as you leave the only thing you want to do is book another showing. The singing is top notch. The diversity in this cast is exemplary. Its full of culture. Also Kyla Stone is the first to play Anastasia as a Black woman made me personally proud. The only regret I have was not taking all of my children. Kyla is a force to be reckoned with.
The scoring for the music is amazing. I grew up around theater my whole life. My mother was my entrance into theatre as she was an actress and performer. As she got older she also doubled as a Choir Director in my home church. My family also sings. When I tell you of the excellence in the notes of the cast, I mean every bit of it. Every note was powerful and the entire cast deserved a standing ovation.
Kyla Stone
I saw so much personality coming from Kyla as Anastasia. She is one stunningly beautiful as she is a singer and actress. She brings the power behind her voice. Her acting is everything you would expect as she is poised and professional. Also I was impressed even more of her ability to just own the stage. She seems to work well with the other actors and actresses well as their on stage presence is unified. I was just in awe. Kyla is a breath of fresh air and whatever she has on her plate next I know she’s going to kill it.
Anastasis is such an amazing show that the only issue is that it’s ending this Sunday. I loved every bit of it and I want you to grab your family and friends and view it too. Make it a priority this weekend too. You will want to jump out of you seat. It’s funny, witty, and emotional charged. Do not sleep on this production.
Thank you to the cast of Anastasia for all of your hard work. It paid off and it was absolutely an amazing show. Thank you to the staff of the Kimmel Center Campus for helping me and my guest to their seats. The staff was so courteous throughout the entire time. A special thank you to Bryan Buttler Media for the invitation. It was the best of my week.
Get your tickets and let me know in the comments your thoughts. If you have already seen it let me know as well.
