Jonathan Cordova, Devon Frieder, and Jonathan Graff Photo by Emily Gelhar

Did she or didn't she survive? Did she somehow manage to get out of the Soviet Union? Was she able to get to Paris and meet her grandmother, the only surviving Romanov family member? And did her grandmother accept her as the real thing and not an imposter?

This all makes for such a good story that it was turned into a Hollywood movie with Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner in 1956. Then in 1997, an animated film with songs by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens was released and was a decent hit (even though not by Disney). The screenplay was adapted by well known playwright Terrence McNally, additional songs were composed by Flaherty and Ahrens, and it opened as a Broadway musical in 2017. Although there are a couple of unnecessary production numbers, mainly there to give the secondary leads some quality time on stage, it's a good show. After a two-year run, it toured the country and has now made its way to Devon Frieder.

Devon, originally from Santa Fe but now based in New York City, brings Albuquerque a musical every winter. A theatrical wunderkind, she produces, directs, choreographs, and stars in each show, and every one of her shows that I have seen has been a joy to behold.

She musters some outstanding local talent who can act and sing and dance, and assembles a crew who can do wonders with not much of a budget. In this production, the set is pretty minimal, but the costumes–wow! Costume designer Rachael Noe, costume builder Carolyn Hogan, and costume assistant John Shelton have done amazing work.

One of the pleasures of a Devon Frieder show is seeing the new talent that she attracts. We always know that Devon herself (as Anya) is going to be terrific, but Jonathan Cordova (Dmitry) and Julian MacDonald (Gleb), both of whom are new to me, are wonderful discoveries. On the other hand, it's equally a pleasure to see that a seasoned veteran like Carolyn Hogan is doing some of her best work ever as the Dowager Empress . There are 27 people in the cast, and I feel bad for singling out only four of them, but suffice it to say that everyone, both on stage and behind the scenes, deserves a standing ovation.

Anastasia is being presented by Devon Frieder Productions at two locations in Albuquerque: until February 1, 2026, at Sandia Prep; on February 7 and 8 at La Cueva high school. Information, times, and tickets at devonfriederproductions.com.