Photographer Jenny Anderson (who shot our fabulous Classic New York Films and Tony Awards Parties photos) brings BroadwayBox backstage for an exclusive new series capturing Broadway companies getting ready to take the stage. In the latest installment, Jenny went to the Broadhurst Theatre, home to the hit musical adaptation of Ahrens and Flaherty's Anastasia
. Scroll on to see how the company prepares for a performance.
We begin the evening in the dressing room of two-time Tony Award nominee and TV favorite Mary Beth Peil.
MBP received her second Tony nom for her role as the Dowager Empress (Anastasia’s grandmother) in this musical.
Simply Iconique.
Stunning!
Next we jump to the ladies dressing room as the female ensemble gets ready to transition into Russian royalty for the opening tableau.
Then the male ensemble’s dressing room as they share some laughs.
Standout dancer Kyle Brown & dance captain Dustin Layton begin their pre-show prep.
Next we stop by the dressing room of stage legend Caroline O’Connor, who steals the show with her one-two punch in Act Two of “Land of Yesterday” and “Countess and the Common Man”.
ICYMI: Check out all of Caroline’s fantastic Anastasia costumes.
Oh hey, it’s leading man Derek Klena!
On his way to see his onstage and offstage buddy, the hilarious Mr. John Bolton
As it happens John has something to celebrate tonight: Dollar Friday!
And then these two clowns played a little royal dress up and were just the definition of awesome.
Swoon!
Tony nominee Ramin Karimloo originated the role of Gleb on Broadway but you only have until December 3 to see his performance.
Those dimples though…
ICYMI: Ramin did the most haunting, goosebumps-inducing cover of “Once Upon a December” for Broadway Unplugged.
Leading lady Christy Altomare and her leading man Derek Klena share some chips and some LOLz before they start their process.
Now we follow Christy in her process to become Anastasia. First the basics of the costume.
Mary Beth Peil and Christy Altomare put perfume on each other before each show. A backstage ritual between grandmother and granddaughter.
Then it’s time for hair.
Once the wig is set, she can get her boots on.
Luckily for us, Christy always makes time for a laugh. #SimplyTheBest
Now, that first big coat for Anya.
It’s done, Christy is ready to slay.
But there’s still a little time to take a breather.
Little Anastasia, Nicole Scimeca, & understudy Julia Morgan bring a bit of Bikini Bottom to St. Petersburg.
Looks like the musical’s scene-stealing comic relief, John Bolton, is ready to bring the laughs as Vlad.
Lauren Blackman makes her Broadway debut as Tsarina Alexandra, and her first look is truly iconic! See how it comes together below.
First Lauren is helped into her gorgeous, elaborate crown by hair dresser Jessica McGinty.
Once it’s perfect, dresser Bonnie Prather helps her into her stunning gown.
Then Jessica puts on the final touches as Bonnie makes sure the gasp-worthy gown is ready to be seen by Broadway audiences.
Likewise, Chita Award winner (so you know she’s a fierce dancer!) Lyrica Woodruff makes her Broadway debut as Princess Olga Romanov.
Bonnie Prather helps Molly Rushing into her costume to play Young Anastasia in the first scene.
Nicole Scimeca puts on her ballet slippers to play Little Anastasia. (Yup, there are three Anastasias!)
Soon it’s time for the entire Romanov family of royalty to take one last look before heading to the stage.
Then it’s down the stairs from the Broadhurst dressing rooms.
Beautiful.
While the show begins, the trio of stars (who all enter after the big first flashback scene) take a moment to check in.
Then while everyone is on stage, Christy has a moment of reflection before wowing Broadway audiences as the title character in Anastasia. See her and the entire gang live at the Broadhurst Theatre.
