This month, Draper Historic Theatre will present “Anastasia,” a musical that is not specifically holiday themed, but embodies the spirit of the season. Director Mike Romney said, “It’s an unconventional choice, but it takes place in the winter.” He alluded to one of the show’s most well-known songs, “Once Upon a December.” “It just has a December feeling,” he said, adding that home, love and family are its basic themes.

“Anastasia,” with music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty and a book by Terrence McNally, premiered on Broadway in 2017. Adapted from the 1997 animated movie, it has been produced all over the world. The plot is based on the legend that Czar Nicholas II’s daughter, Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, survived the execution of her family during the Russian Revolution. 

“The musical is different from the movie in that it is more historically accurate,” Romney explained. “They put in more about the Bolshevik revolution.” While Rasputin, depicted as an evil wizard, is the villain of the animated film, the writers of the musical replaced him with Bolshevik officers. 

The story unfolds in Russia years after the Revolution. The Dowager Empress, Anastasia’s grandmother, is living in Paris and offers a reward for the return of her granddaughter. Dmitry, a “street rat” and Vlad, a former nobleman, are determined to claim the reward. They meet Anya, a young street sweeper who suffers from amnesia, and decide to pass her off as the Duchess. 

As the trio travel to Paris, Anya and Dmitry fall in love and Anya begins to remember who she is.

Dusti Mulder, one of the actors who plays Anya, describes it as “a beautiful relationship journey.” She said that one of her favorite numbers in the musical is the song “Learn to Do It” in which Dmitry and Vlad teach Anya how to behave like an aristocrat. “She learns to dance with Dmitry, they teach her how to eat properly,” she said. “It’s super fun!”

Self-discovery is a central theme of “Anastasia.” “Through the whole show, Anya wants to know who she is so badly,” Mulder said. When Anya finally meets the Dowager Empress, hoping that the older woman will reveal the truth of her identity, the Empress tells her, “You cannot be anyone unless you first recognize yourself.” 

Dmitry is also transformed. As the production is double-cast, actors Benjamin Ash and Tyler Rasmussen have both taken on the role. “Dmitry’s whole world view changes through the show,” Ash said. “He’s been a street rat his whole life and resents those who are wealthy.” 

“Those feelings are challenged when as he gets to know a member of the royal family,” Rasmussen said. “He comes to recognize their humanity.” 

“Anya is the key to making their hopes and dreams come true,” Ash added. “Eventually Dmitry comes to love and appreciate her.”

Actors Emma Aydelotte, Hannah Stark and Emily Snow play Paulina, Marfa and Dunya, denizens of the streets of St. Petersburg.

“This is a show that has something for everyone,” Aydelotte said. “There are funny, sad and tender moments. It has awesome themes--Anya is lost and then found. It’s also about finding family along the way.” 

The production promises to be visually entertaining, filled with dance numbers and eye-catching costumes. Stark said, “I love the choreography. This show mixes a lot of different styles: Russian, Parisian, the Roaring 20s and waltzes. The dances alone can transport you to different times and places.” 

Costumer Katrina DeKarver is building costumes for 60 actors total between the two casts that represent fashions from 1907, 1918 and 1927. “We’re using the Disney film as the inspiration, but it won’t be exact,” she said. “We want the surprise factor. We’re making the iconic blue sparkly opera dress and the ballgown at the very end.”

“This is a great production overall,” Snow said. “There is so much happening on stage that the audience will feel like they are there.”

“Anastasia” will be presented at Draper Historic Theatre Dec. 13 through 28. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays and Tuesdays with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays. Draper Historic Theatre is located at 12366 S. 900 East. To purchase tickets, visit www.draperhistorictheatre.org.