[rating=5]Summers in Milwaukee are great. They’re short in length but not on things to do. With so many events vying for your summer-lovin’ attention, theater may not be on your radar, but Anastasia, now playing through Sunday, July 28 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, should be. This dazzling performance is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. I can vouch for at least two (ages 38 and 12 respectively).
The story follows Anya (Lila Coogan), a brave, determined young woman looking to flee 1920’s Russia in search of her forgotten past. Her dangerous and daring journey to Paris is aided by a conman (played by Matt Rosell on 7/23) and an ex-aristocrat (Edward Staudenmayer), making for a trek full of suspense and surprise. The energy level is consistently high throughout the show, evenly alternating between dramatic and more light-hearted numbers. “Learn to Do It,” in the first act, for example, is a fast and fun number performed by the three leads and is closely followed by the driving push of “My Petersburg.” After that comes “Once Upon a December,” a number that wraps the characters and audience alike into a dreamlike trance through its composition and magnificent production.
The opening night audience was eager to express their admiration for the powerful performances, beginning applause before the end of the final note of many numbers. Quite a few felt compelled to “woo” in addition to clap throughout the show as well. The end of Act I was especially moving and led to an energetic buzz in the house throughout intermission. This is when my stepson told me, “I think the plot is really good,” that he thought his grandparents would really enjoy the show and, “We should call them tomorrow to tell them about it.”
I overheard another family talking about the show during intermission and a younger boy was enthusiastically telling his parents that he thought he figured out how it would end, citing all the clues he noticed. It may just be the English teacher in me, but…be still my English-teaching heart, I found myself just as enthused as he was to hear him discuss the show with such joy. There wasn’t a last-minute rush back to seats to watch the second act; I think we were all ready to continue enjoying the show.
Act II did more than didn’t disappoint; it entertained and amazed. “The Countess and the Common Man” stole the show, showcasing the chemistry and comedic talent of Staudenmayer and Tari Kelly (Countess Lily). The two had the audience laughing and clapping, often at the same time. The vast talent of the entire cast was on display during “Quartet at the Ballet,” which also received a rave response from the crowd. The energy continued to flow from the stage and throughout the theatre until the final curtain.
This production, part of the Broadway at the Marcus Center series, is playing at a perfect time. As you may have already concluded, I think it’s the perfect show to take a child or few to. School’s out and this is in town. Make sure you take advantage this week!
Anastasia runs now through July 28:
Wednesday-Thursday 7:30 p.m.
Friday 8 p.m.
Saturday 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The show runs 2 hours 25 minutes with an intermission.
Ticket prices start at $31.
“STUDENT RUSH” is available for all performances. Students can get tickets for only $25 with their student IDs starting 2 hours prior to each performance.
Tickets can be purchased at MarcusCenter.org or Ticketmaster.com or by calling 414-273-7206 or visiting the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street, Milwaukee.
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