What’s Happening?
Young Mackay student Harvey Rose McClelland has joined Brisbane’s ANASTASIA cast as one of the performers playing Little Anastasia. She will travel to Brisbane next week to prepare before the musical opens at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre. Producers chose Harvey from many keen auditionees, alongside other young Queensland performers.
Why It Matters
Harvey’s casting places a Mackay student within an Australian tour of a successful Broadway musical. The production comes from a Tony Award-winning creative team and has earned recognition across several countries. It also gives a regional Queensland performer stage time beside established Australian theatre names.
Local Impact
The casting creates a direct connection to the Brisbane season and puts local talent on a major stage. Families and arts supporters can follow Harvey’s performances while celebrating a young performer from their community.
By the Numbers
- Four Queensland performers will share Little Anastasia during the Brisbane season. Eva Boldery and Holly Murray are 10, while Kalina Kita and Harvey are nine.
- The Brisbane season runs from 16 September to 18 October 2026, covering just over four weeks.
- ANASTASIA premiered on Broadway in March 2017 and received one Tony Award nomination for Best Costume Design in a Musical. It has since won more than 15 major international awards, including Best Musical honours in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.
Zoom In
Georgina Hopson leads the production as Anya, opposite Robert Tripolino as charming con artist Dmitry. Joshua Robson plays antagonist Gleb, while Rodney Dobson appears as Vlad. Rhonda Burchmore plays Countess Lily, with theatre icon Nancye Hayes AM portraying the Dowager Empress.
The ensemble includes Sophia Bae, Elliot Baker, Nicholas Cunningham, Davis Giotopoulos Moore and Todd Goddard. They are joined by Matthew Jenson, Stephanie Kurlow, Bella Minniti, Simon Plant, Nathan Stafford and Alexis Van Maanen. Patrick Volpe, Annie Wilson, Deone Zanotto and Andrea Zappacosta complete the ensemble.
The swings team features Manon Gunderson-Briggs, Iosefa Laga’aia, Nathan Pinnell and Emma Russell.
ANASTASIA is a lavish musical for all ages, inspired by Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape. The story places that escape during the early days of the Russian Revolution. It also draws from the Oscar-nominated 1997 animated film of the same name.
The plot moves from the twilight years of Imperial rule to the excitement of Paris during the 1920s. Anya seeks the truth about her past while an army officer remains determined to silence her. She enlists a dashing conman and lovable ex-aristocrat to help her find home, love and family.
The production is directed by Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak. Its book was written by the late five-time Tony Award winner Terrence McNally. His credits include Love! Valour! Compassion!, Master Class, Kiss of the Spider Woman and Ragtime.
Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens wrote the music and lyrics. The Chicago Tribune described them as “one of the greatest songwriting teams in Broadway history.”
Reviews have also praised the musical’s staging and emotional impact. The Wall Street Journal said, “Fantastical, intelligent, well-crafted, and exhilarating, ANASTASIA deserves a coronation!” Similarly, The Hollywood Reporter wrote, “Captivating, beautifully staged and emotionally vital. ANASTASIA hits the sweet spot!” The New York Observer added, “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.”
Zoom Out
ANASTASIA has grown from an animated film into a Broadway production staged internationally. The Australian tour brings that production to Brisbane, with Queensland performers sharing the childhood role. Harvey’s casting connects Mackay directly with that wider theatre history.
What To Look For Next?
Harvey will travel to Brisbane next week for preparations before the season begins. Once performances open, Mackay supporters will have a local performer to follow throughout the Brisbane run.
