Anastasia The Musical premieres in Melbourne on Dec 20
This Broadway hit is finally coming to Australia and it is one of the most beautiful productions I have seen in a long time. If you grew up with the animated film or watched the classic Ingrid Bergman version, you are going to feel that wave of millennial nostalgia straight away.
I was invited to a special sneak preview of Anastasia the Musical yesterday and I walked out absolutely buzzing! The full production opens on 20 December in Melbourne before touring Perth in March, Sydney in April and Adelaide in August. After the preview I saw, I can already tell this one will be a huge summer favourite.
Watch the story of a princess come to life on stage
This stage version pulls inspiration from both films while giving the story a fresh theatrical feel. The classic songs you remember are there including Once Upon a December and Journey to the Past, but there are several new pieces created specifically for the musical. The mix feels seamless. It honours the original story while giving the stage version its own heartbeat.
I was blown away by the cast! Georgina Hopson as Anya has a voice that feels effortless and rich. Robert Tripolino brings a charming warmth to Dmitry. Their vocals together fill the room in a way that hits you right in the chest. It is rare to hear voices that blend this well live. I kept finding soaking it all in.
I am so excited to see Nancye Hayes in the role as Dowager Empress. She brings such presence and depth to every performance and I already know she will be unforgettable.
We can expect the production itself to be stunning. The lighting, the transitions and the way the set moves all work together to guide you from Imperial Russia to Paris with real emotion and with the kind of detail you expect from a Broadway calibre production.
Why this musical will be a hit
The nostalgia alone will draw huge crowds. Anyone who loved the film will connect instantly, but I also love that the show stands strongly on its own. It has humour, romance, adventure and a storyline that keeps you fully locked in from the first song.
The performances from the rest of the cast are equally strong. Joshua Robson as Gleb, Rodney Dobson as Vlad and Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily will lift every scene they are in.
After seeing the preview, I can already tell this will be one of those shows people go back to see twice!
More details for planning your visit
📍 Location
Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St, Melbourne
🕒 Running times
20 December 2025 through 20 February 2026
Touring to Perth in March, Sydney in April and Adelaide in August
🎟️ Entry prices
From $69.90 to $219.90
Full pricing and session times available through the official site
Cast
Georgina Hopson as Anya
Robert Tripolino as Dmitry
Joshua Robson as Gleb
Rodney Dobson as Vlad
Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily
Nancye Hayes AM as the Dowager Empress
Creative team
By Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens and Darko Tresnjak
📲 More info and bookings on: anastasiathemusical.com.au
Tips before visiting Imaginationation
- Book early as the Melbourne season will fill up quickly over summer and only limited dates are available
- Choose an evening performance for the best atmosphere.
- Arrive early if you want time to take photos in the foyer.
- Listen to the soundtrack before you go if you want the full emotional hit!
- Grab a bite to eat nearby, click for 200+ of my fave spots located and categorised on a map here
- Coming from interstate or overseas, or just like to make it a getaway? Check out a map with a bunch of boutique and luxe stays here.
Final thoughts
Anastasia the Musical feels like a beautiful blend of memory, story and modern theatre. The cast is extraordinary, the music is powerful and the production design is the kind that pulls you into another world. If you love a good stage show or you grew up watching the animated film, this one deserves a spot on your summer list.
I will be sharing more updates and behind the scenes moments across Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.
Disclaimer: this was a sneak preview invite, not a paid post. My thoughts and review are honest.
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