FORT LAUDERDALE – This holiday season, theatergoers of all ages will delight in Slow Burn Theatre Company’s heartwarming production of “Anastasia The Musical,”part of Slow Burn’s 2024/2025 Season supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale, from Saturday,Dec. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 5, including a sensory-inclusive performance with a post-show meet and greet on Saturday, December 28 at 1:30 p.m. and an open captioned performance sponsored by the Amaturo Family Foundation on Sunday, December 29 at 2 p.m., in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
From the Tony-nominated team of celebrated playwright Terrance McNally, and with a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics), “Anastasia The Musical” invites audiences to step into a world of wonder and history with this Broadway sensation that has captivated the hearts of audiences worldwide. With its opulent settings, dazzling costumes and a soaring score that includes song favorites “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December” from the hit animated film that inspired the spectacular musical, “Anastasia” is about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be.
Directed by Slow Burn Theatre Artistic Director and Carbonell Award winner Patrick Fitzwater, the musical transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of Dimitry, a dashing conman and Vlad, a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.
Playing the lead roles are Jarod Bakum as Dimitry and Mikayla Cohen as Anya. They are joined by supporting actors Gail Bennett as Countess Lily, Sean William Davis as Gleb, Aaron De Jesus as Vlad and Laura Turnball as the Dowager Empress. Other characters are portrayed by Alexander Blanco, Jamal Campbell, Ryan Crout, Blaire DiMisa, Madeline Dunn, Michael Hunsaker, Caiti Marlowe, Michael Materdomini, Kassi McMillan, Stephanny “Noah” Noria, Sarah Sun Park, Eric Rivas, Allyson Rosenblum, Elizabeth Sackett, Britte Steele, Ashley Valent and Jorge Valero.
Fitzwater is joined by a creative team of choreographer Cat Pagano, music director Ryan Crout, scenic designer Nikolas Serrano, costume designer Rick Peña, lighting designer Eric Norbury, and sound designer Dan Donato. The talented technical team includes production stage manager Jeffry George, assistant stage manager Jolie Rubinchik, technical director Timothy S. Dickey and wig and prop design by Fitzwater.
Slow Burn’s production of “Anastasia The Musical” is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. The musical is inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Pictures by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical, from the play by Marcelle Maurette as adapted by Guy Bolton.
Performance times vary with an open captioned performance on Sunday, December 29 at 2 p.m.
“Anastasia The Musical” A Sensory-Inclusive Performance takes place in the Amaturo Theater with a post-show meet and greet on Saturday, December 28 at 1:30 p.m. Intended to create a welcoming and supportive environment for children and adults on the autism spectrum as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental disabilities, this performance features slight adjustments including reduced sound levels, no flashing or strobe lights and minimal special effects. Admission includes complimentary pre-show arts and crafts activities provided by Young at Art Museum. An area adjacent to the theater has been designated as the ABA Centers of Florida Sensory Quiet Room with a specially trained therapist to provide audience support. Patrons may bring their own headphones, fidgets and other calming items into the theater or borrow these items at the theater. The Broward Center’s sensory-inclusive programming is made possible through the generous support of ABA Centers of Florida, The Batchelor Foundation, The Gore Family Memorial Foundation Trust, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and The Taft Foundation with special thanks to UM-NSU CARD for their in-kind support.
Single tickets to Slow Burn Theatre’s 2024/2025 season are on sale now. Supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale, the season continues in the new year with “Parade” (Feb. 8 – 23); “Something Rotten!” (March 29 – April 13); and “The Bodyguard The Musical” (June 7 – 22).
Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at BrowardCenter.org, or Ticketmaster.com; by phone at 954.462.0222; in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.
Major support for the Slow Burn Theatre Company season is provided by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. Sponsored in part by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale. Student and community complimentary tickets are subsidized and underwritten by the Salah Foundation and the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation.
The Broward Center 2024/2025 season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System.
About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the main campus of Nova Southeastern University, and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County, The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org.
About Slow Burn Theatre Company
Founded in 2009 by Patrick Fitzwater and Matthew Korinko, Slow Burn Theatre Company is one of South Florida’s leading professional musical theater organizations, celebrated for its bold productions and fearless creativity. With a mission to bring high-quality, thought-provoking, and entertaining performances to life, Slow Burn has earned a reputation for pushing boundaries and delivering dynamic interpretations of beloved musicals alongside lesser-known gems.Based at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Slow Burn Theatre Company offers an extraordinary theatrical experience that combines impeccable artistry, live music, and an unparalleled commitment to storytelling. The company has grown exponentially over its history, evolving from an ambitious grassroots effort to a cornerstone of South Florida’s cultural scene, thanks to the dedication of its founders, talented artists, and loyal supporters. Now in its 15th anniversary season, Slow Burn Theatre Company celebrates a legacy of innovation, resilience, and community connection. From intimate stages to grand productions, Slow Burn continues to inspire audiences with its passion for the arts and commitment to making theater accessible to all.For more information, visit Slow Burn Theatre Company’s website at http://slowburntheatre.org/.
