ANASTASIA, the new stage musical

[bob8rich]

Just read that a new stage adaptation of the animated movie musical, Anastasia, is "in the early stages of development" and will use the five brilliant songs from the movie with 15 new songs written by Flaherty & Ahrens for the stage show. Angela Lansbury will reprise her role from her voice-over in the movie - and the Book will be written by Terrence McNally.

I never saw the movie (I never watch animated films - just not my thing) but I have the CD and I love the score. Plus I am a massive fan of Flaherty & Ahrens and of Terrence McNally, so I am VERY excited about this. It's just scheduled for an initial "reading" at the moment so it's still a long way away from taking the stage, but I can't wait!

And if the presence of the creatives and Ms Lansbury weren't enough for me to salivate over, also already attached to the project is the seriously awesome Aaron Lazar!

[Princeton Returns]

I've often thought the film would make a great stage show, it's quite underrated I think. It would work best i think if they made it more grown up and move away a little but from it being a kids show as the story has potentional for great human depth of emotion and historical fact. Great score though, may rewatch the movie this weekend now actually

[rjm516]

Oh my goodness. If this is true, I am ecstatic! I love the movie so so much. It really would make a fantastic show if done well. Yes!! Is it being developed in NYC, for a hopeful Broadway run? Or is it started over here?

[bob8rich]

It's in New York - BWW article here: http://broadwayworld.com/article/Rialto-Chatter-Exclusive-Ahrens-Flahertys-ANASTASIA-Headed-to-the-Stage-Lansbury-Lazar-More-to-Star-in-Reading-20120615