Talking to Veronica Stern who stars in the national tour of ANASTASIA, which plays Broadway at the Orpheum Theatre May 5-7

Veronica Stern in the North American Tour of Anastasia
Photo by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

by Gil Benbrook

The musical Anastasia, which is based on the 1997 animated film of the same name, has a plot that centers on the factual tragedy of a family that was murdered during the Russian Revolution in 1918.

 

While that might seem heavy material for an animated family film or a big budget musical comedy, the plot has an intriguing and hopeful story about how a young woman’s journey to the past helps her find her own future. It also has a rich score that’s a good mix of drama and comedy, including the Oscar nominated song "Journey to the Past." 

The musical had a healthy Broadway run of almost two years, and the National Tour comes to town this week for five performances at the Orpheum Theatre from May 5-7

Starring as Anya, the main character who is a young woman who has no memory of her past, is Veronica Stern, a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, who is making her national tour debut in this production.

Stern sat down in between tour stops to answer some questions about the show, what it's like playing a character based on a historical person, what life on the road is like, and why she belives a story set in 20th century Russia is still relevant today

For someone who isn’t aware of Anastasia, what would you tell them it’s about?

"Anastasia is the story of a young woman, Anya, who is on a journey to figure out who she really is. She has a gut feeling that there is more beyond her life as a street sweeper, but she needs help to leave Russia. She falls in line with conmen, Dmitry and Vlad who tell her that they can get her to Paris. They go on a fun adventure to making Anya into 'The Princess Anastasia' and she goes on her own journey of deciding if this is really who she is as well."

This musical is based on historical characters as well as the beloved 1997 animated film. How familiar with the piece were you before you auditioned for the tour?

"I didn’t grow up watching Anastasia. In fact, it wasn’t until the Broadway musical came out that I became really aware of it. I went to CCM (University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music), alma mater of composer, Stephen Flaherty and the original Broadway Anya, Christy Altomare. I recall that the year that I was applying to CCM, they held a special concert where Christy returned to the ccm stage to sing Journey to the Past and that’s how I knew I had to go to this school. From there, I did more research on the show, and of course started singing the songs. Once I got the job for tour, I was given a very extensive historical packet to learn more. "

Veronica Stern

What can you tell us about your character, Anya and what do you most and least identify with her?

"Anya is a strong woman. She is brave and curious. I personally identify with her curiosity for life."

Since the musical is based on an actual character, Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, what kind of research did you do to prepare for the role?

"Several weeks before I joined the tour, I was sent my script, musical, and about 70 pages of background research on the Romanov’s and that time period."

You got your BFA in Musical Theatre at the prestigious University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. What were some of your favorite shows and courses at CCM? 

"Unfortunately, half of my time at school wins shadowed by the pandemic, but we still tried to make the most of it. One of my favorite projects that I worked on while at school was the inaugural showcase for BIPOC students. It’s a project that took almost 2 years to come to fruition, I am most proud to have left that legacy and see that they still carry it out annually."

You're making your national tour debut with this show. How have you found that life has been on the road and performing in different cities week to week?

"Touring is really hard! I won’t sugar coat it. I’ve learned a lot about performing while traveling, and I will always be grateful for this experience."

What is your favorite moment in the show and why is it your favorite?

"My favorite moment changes every day. As we approach the end of tour, I find myself getting sentimental more often. "

Anastasia is set in the early part of the 20th century in Russia. Why do you think this show is relevant today?

"Anastasia is relevant today because at its core, it is a story about home, love and family which is a timeless sentiment."

What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing Anastasia at the Orpheum Theatre?

"I hope that audiences leave the theater a little happier than they came in. Theater is meant to be an experience that makes you feel good. I hope they leave with smiles on their faces and music in their hearts."

CLICK HERE for more information on this production, which plays the Orpheum Theatre May 5-7

Willem Butler, Veronica Stern and Bryan Seastrom
Photo by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made