Broadway's Original "Anastasia" Passes The Torch At New Hope Opening

NEW HOPE, PA —Broadway’s original "Anastasia," Christy Altomare, was among the guests who attended the opening night production of “Anastasia: The Musical” at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope on Nov. 23.

During an opening night party, held at Oldestone Steakhouse on Main Street in New Hope, Altomare ceremoniously "passed the torch" with a bouquet of flowers to Lyda Jade Harlan, the young actor playing the lead in “Anastasia: The Musical.”

Altomare, who originated the role of “Anastasia” on Broadway, is a native of Bucks County and a resident of Newtown.

From the Tony Award-winning creators of the “Ragtime,” the 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.

Bucks County Playhouse’s Tony-winning Producing team with two Anastasia actresses on Opening Night – from L to R: Josh Fiedler, Christy Altomare, Alexander Fraser, Lyda Jade Harlan and Robyn Goodman

“Anastasia: The Musical” runs through January 5 at the historic theatre in New Hope. The show 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.

Joining Lyda Jade Harlan (“Scouts” Off-Broadway and “Maggie” at Goodspeed) in the cast, 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.

Tickets to “Anastasia” start at $39. 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” runs through January 5. “Anastasia” will play the following schedule: Tuesday through Friday evenings at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 1:30 pm. Special holiday week performances are Wednesday, November 27 at 7:30 pm and Friday, November 29, 2024 at 1:30 pm., Tuesday, December 24 at 1:30 pm and Friday, December 27 at 1:30 pm. 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.