Anastasia: The Musical is the stage adaptation of the beloved 1997 animated film produced by Twentieth Century Fox. Featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, with a book by Terrence McNally, the production first premiered at Hartford Stage in Connecticut in May 2016 before making its Broadway debut at the Broadhurst Theatre. Previews began in March 2017, followed by the official opening in April 2017.

Inspired by the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov of Russia, the musical follows the story of Anya, an orphan suffering from amnesia who embarks on a journey to uncover her true identity. Along the way, two con men take advantage of her striking resemblance to the lost Grand Duchess, believing she could be the key to claiming a royal reward. As Anya's journey unfolds, she discovers that her search is about more than finding her family. It becomes a journey of self-discovery, hope, and belonging.

As part of the Production Execution (PRODEXE) course under the Production Design program, students were tasked with selecting either a film or theatrical production and developing its overall production design. For this project, production design student Ezar Co chose Anastasia: The Musical because of his passion for fantasy, fairy tales, and stories that blend history with imagination. The production also resonated with him on a personal level because both he and Anastasia share a dream of reaching Paris in pursuit of their aspirations. This connection made the story especially meaningful to him.

Through an in-depth analysis of the narrative, Ezar interpreted the musical as a journey of realization. Beyond its historical inspiration and adventurous storyline, he viewed Anastasia as a reflection of self-discovery. It is a reminder that understanding who you are comes before becoming who you aspire to be. The story emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself, embracing your experiences, and recognizing your own potential as you navigate life's uncertainties.

This interpretation became the foundation of his production design concept. Drawing inspiration from the Eiffel Tower, Ezar transformed the iconic structure into a visual metaphor for the journey of realization. Its distinctive zigzag geometry influenced the patterns incorporated throughout the scenic design, costumes, and props, while metallic textures echoed the tower's architectural character. Together, these elements created a cohesive visual language that symbolizes growth, resilience, and the path toward discovering one's true identity.

Set and costumes that he designed

His journey was far from easy. Limited time, rigorous standards, and various production challenges pushed him beyond his limits. Nevertheless, through unwavering dedication and hard work, Ezar successfully defended his thesis and completed the project with confidence, marking a significant milestone in his academic and creative journey.

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