It’s a new year, and a new musical will be inviting audiences on a journey to the past when “Anastasia” arrives at Wharton Center, January 15-20.
“Anastasia,” based on the 1997 animated film, explores what might have happened if Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia were still alive, miraculously escaping the execution of her family in the early 20th century. The story follows Anya, an orphan with few keys to her past, who joins two con men aimed at passing her off as the Grand Duchess.
Stephen Brower stars as Dmitry, one of the men leading Anya on the journey to finding her family and a character many 90s kids will remember rivaling Prince Eric for their affections.
I spoke with him on a blustery and cold January day (how Russian of us) about his work in “Anastasia,” his unlikely activity outside of theatre, and what he hopes audiences will take away from the show.
Stefanie Pohl: What was your familiarity either with the film “Anastasia” or the history of her family, and what was your journey to getting cast in the show?
Stephen Brower: I wasn’t super savvy on the history, but I did grow up on the movie. I certainly watched it in middle school and high school. It was one of the staples for me. I’ve always loved the music of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. My journey with the show has been a little different. I auditioned for the Broadway show in January 2018. I was lucky enough to book a vacation swing position. It was supposed to be for three weeks to fill someone’s vacation. Then an ensemble spot opened up that was an understudy for Dmitry, and I got asked to do that. That was my Broadway debut, in March 2018. I was with the Broadway show through June, and then auditioned for the tour that was happening in the fall. I was lucky enough to book the role of Dmitry.
Pohl: What was it like going from an ensemble role to playing the role of Dmitry?
Brower: I played the role of Dmitry once on Broadway. I was super excited. I’ve understudied a lot before. It’s really nice to get to take on a role from the get go [on the tour]. I think I’ve learned from my years of understudying that the most successful performers are the ones that make it their own and make the text and music work for them. Dmitry came at a time in my life where it was really perfect timing for me to hone my craft on it. It’s a really challenging role. I’ve seen two other guys play Dmitry fantastically on Broadway. It’s empowering to get to lead out with a whole new cast, most of which has not done the Broadway show. I felt like I had some knowledge coming into the show that I could use in collaboration with the other artists. I almost can’t even remember how I performed it on Broadway because it’s an entirely different show now.
Pohl: Dmitry has always been considered one of the “heartthrob” cartoon characters, and I’m sure many coming to see the show are also fans of the movie. How does it feel filling these big animated shoes?
Brower: It’s actually pretty difficult to ride the line between being animated and what people want to see. When they come see the show, they have this imagined idea of what it’s going to be like and the kind of person I’m going to be. I also want to be really true to the text and words. It’s based on the movie, but it’s not the movie on stage. It’s a little different, and our relationship is different. The way theatre works is different than film, so some things are more exaggerated or changed. It’s been interesting because as an actor, I’ve kind of had to watch the movie, study it, and let it go. People will message me or come to the stage door and say, “you’re exactly what I envisioned for Dmitry! You’re perfect!” And I’m just like, well that’s good! It seems to be working out.
Pohl: Those who are familiar with the film will recognize parts of the plot and the memorable music, but what can audiences expect from the show’s differences?
Brower: I think they can expect a more epic journey. I feel like our show follows a number of different characters’ journeys, whereas the movie really focuses on Anya. On stage, you get to see all six principal characters go through an arc over the course of a show. It’s really brilliant how the writers of the show have intertwined these characters in a way that lets them have an arc by the end. There’s a lot of romance, a lot of adventure, and a lot of incredible music.
Pohl: Dmitry and Anya have a lot of twists and turns in their relationship. What has it been like to develop that relationship with Lila Coogan (Anya) off stage in order to portray all of the layers that happen on stage?
Brower: We have a fantastic relationship. From the beginning, we really took care of each other throughout rehearsals. She’s like a sister to me. We’ll go to each other for advice and help, and our dressing rooms are always next to each other. Because of that brother-sister relationship, I think the beginning of the show where we’re a little more argumentative and aggressive works really well. Act II though is my favorite, getting to fall in love. It’s these two characters that don’t want to fall in love with each other, or didn’t see it coming. It’s a cool surprise for my character.
Pohl: What are some of your favorite things about touring? Do you have any must-haves when you’re on the road?
Brower: Definitely, one of my favorite things about tour is never having to clean a toilet or vacuum like I do when I’m at home. I’ve found over the years that I really love Airbnbs and don’t like hotels. That’s been a big change for this tour. I planned to stay at only two hotels the entire time on this tour. Otherwise, it’s funny because I always go out on the road with a plan to spend my free time a certain way, writing or I wanted to cook a lot. But I’m actually talking to you from an indoor tennis court in Wisconsin. I played tennis when I was younger, and my cast mate Ed Staudenmayer (Vlad) travels with tennis rackets and was getting super into tennis, so we started playing together. Now we play three times a week. It ends up being things you wouldn’t expect that are so great to have outside of work.
Pohl: Are there any rituals or pre-show prep you have to do each day?
Brower: Yes! I have to sing a lot. Not just to warm up, but I sing all kinds of different songs to get my voice moving. I always do something physical, whether it’s the gym or tennis or dancing. I love to dance and run around backstage. Otherwise, I check in with my scene partners to wish them a good show. I do a couple little character rituals. I rub my hands really fast for Dmitry. I try to just be moving and get out there and start going, because he’s a fast moving guy. I also take a tennis ball and bounce it against the wall to activate my mind and body at the same time.
Pohl: What do you hope audiences take away from the show?
Brower: I hope that audience members are really inspired when they leave the show to pursue their dreams or lean into what drives them. I think the show is really enchanting. We had a student matinee recently that was really cool because kids aren’t afraid to express exactly what they feel in the moment. They were so invested in the story with the oohs and ahhs and cheers and laughs. It reminded me that we all as adults feel the same things, but we have so many walls up. Going to the theatre is a beautiful chance to let those walls down and lean into the story.
Get ready to take the journey when “Anastasia” arrives at the Wharton Center next week, January 15-20. Click here for show and ticket information.