Rising star Georgina Hopson to star in hit Broadway musical ANASTASIA’s Australian premiere
Producers have today confirmed that rising star of stage and screen Georgina Hopson (Titanique, Phantom of the Opera) will lead the cast of ANASTASIA, which will have its Australian premiere at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne in December 2025 before touring to Perth and Sydney in 2026.
“I can’t quite believe that I am going to be playing Anya in ANASTASIA – I have loved this story and this character since I was a kid. I used to dress up as her and sing Journey to the Past on the trampoline. I wish I could tell my younger self that this was happening, I think she would have passed out with excitement – which is honestly how I still feel about it!” said Georgina Hopson.
Inspired by the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape in the dawning days of the Russian Revolution, and the 20th Century Fox animated fairytale of the same name, ANASTASIA has been brought to life on the stage by the Tony Award-winning creative team of Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.
ANASTASIA is a lavish musical for all ages, transporting audiences from the twilight years of the Imperial rule to the euphoria and exuberance of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman named Anya sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by an army officer determined to silence her, she enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.
Georgina’s range of stage credits include Rose Dewitt-Bukater in Titanique (Michael Cassel Group), Christine Daaé in Phantom of the Opera (Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour), Karen in Bananaland (Brisbane Festival), Lina Lamont in Singin’ in the Rain (Prospero Arts), Alternate Mary Jane Healy in Jagged Little Pill (GWB Entertainment), Lorelai Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Hayes Theatre Co.) and Emma Carew in Jekyll & Hyde (Hayes Theatre Co.).
Georgina also performed the role of Mother in Ragtime (The Production Company) for which she won a Green Room Award for Best Performance in a Leading Role. She was also nominated for a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Gussie in Merrily We Roll Along (Hayes Theatre Co.) Other notable credits include Evita (Opera Australia/Gordon Frost Organisation), My Fair Lady (Opera Australia/Gordon Frost Organisation), Oklahoma! (The Production Company). In television, Georgina played Wendy Hogan in the TV miniseries Hoges: The Paul Hogan Story (Fremantle Media). She also appeared in Bump S2 (Roadshow Rough Diamond) and Doctor Doctor S5 (Easy Tiger).
Georgina’s concert work includes Hopelessly Devoted: A Celebration of Olivia Newton-John (MSO), To Barbra With Love (MSO/Make My Mark) and The Golden Age of Broadway for the Sydney Opera House’s 50th birthday celebrations. She was also the recipient of the 2017 Rob Guest Endowment Award.
Directed by Tony Award winning director Darko Tresnjak, ANASTASIA premiered on Broadway in March 2017. It received a Tony Award nomination for Best Costume Design in a Musical and won more than 15 major international awards including Best Musical awards in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.
The book for ANASTASIA was written by the late five time Tony Award winning writer Terrence McNally, whose credits include Love! Valour! Compassion!, Master Class, Kiss of the Spider Woman and Ragtime.
Music and lyrics for ANASTASIA were written by the renowned writing team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens who have been referred to as “one of the greatest songwriting teams in Broadway history” (Chicago Tribune).
Further casting details will be announced in the coming months.
“Fantastical, intelligent, well-crafted, and exhilarating, ANASTASIA deserves a coronation!” – The Wall Street Journal
“Captivating, beautifully staged and emotionally vital. ANASTASIA hits the sweet spot!” – The Hollywood Reporter
“One of the most gorgeous shows in years! Luscious, lavish, and a joy that leaves you cheering. This is a grandiloquent feast for the senses you won’t soon forget.” – The New York Observer
ANASTASIA – THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
Produced by John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia in special collaboration with Stage Entertainment Productions, Tom Kirdahy, Hunter Arnold and Dan Hinde
Regent Theatre, Melbourne from December 2025
Crown Theatre Perth from March 2026
Lyric Theatre, Sydney from April 2026
For further information, please visit www.anastasiathemusical.com.au or follow us on socials via @anastasiathemusicalau #AnastasiaAU
Photo credit: James Terry
