When Lyda Jade Harlan was growing up, she and her mom listened to Broadway musicals on repeat especially Miss Saigon and Spring Awakening — both became dream shows for them.
Fast forward through high school, college, and the start of her musical theater career to the present, Harlan is starring in the leading role of Anya this holiday season for Bucks County Playhouse’s debut of an all-new production of the Broadway Musical Anastasia, playing through Sunday, January 5, 2025.
Harlan is amassing an impressive body of work. She was in the Off-Broadway production of Scouts, and the regional production of Maggie at the Goodspeed Opera House. She is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music.
This holiday season, audiences are invited to take a trip to the past — stopping in Belle Epoque Paris and beyond. It is a joyous holiday journey into the past filled with a top-notch cast, high-level production values, beautiful costumes, and nuanced choreography.
Bucks County Playhouse Producing Director Alexander Fraser, Executive Producer Robyn Goodman, and Producer Josh Fiedler are thrilled to offer Anastasia as the final presentation of the Playhouse’s eclectic 2024 season.
From the Tony Award-winning creators of Ragtime, this dazzling show 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 a dashing con man and a lovable former aristocrat. Together, the three embark on an epic adventure to help her find her home, love, and family.
“I love romantic musicals and I’ve been fascinated by the mystery of Anastasia since I was a child,” says Producing Director Alexander Fraser. “It’s thrilling to see how the creators of this Broadway musical have envisioned the story remarkably and fascinatingly — one that has made the story timeless.”
Anastasia features the script by four-time Tony winner, Terrence McNally, and a lush score by the Tony Award®-winners Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics). The playhouse production features choreography by Al Blackstone and the musical is under the direction of Eric Rosen.
The following is an exclusive Q and A with Lyda Jade Harlan for Anastasia:
How did playing a strong and confident woman resonate with you?
Lyda Jade Harlan: I think it especially resonated with me. She starts the story not knowing who she is, not knowing her name. Throughout my life, I have gone through a sense of confusion or [have wondered] what my identity is – rather than let that sorrow take over. It’s not exactly the same thing, but throughout my life, I never let myself sink into a dark hole. I have always fought for what I am and who I am like she has. Growing with the role and learning how to become her has been a pleasure.
What is your connection to ballet and what did you appreciate about the Swan Lake number in the show?
I did take ballet in high school, and I loved it and how it made my body feel; and I wanted to be able to master it. It’s such a complicated craft. The minute Laura Katherine Kaufman, the prima ballerina in Swan Lake, started to show us a glimpse of what she could do, I became fully immersed in her technique and storytelling. Immersing me in the ballet. I am kind of stuck on it, and it is one of my favorite parts to do every night.
How much research did you do on The Romanov Family and their place in history?
Around the time I got the final call back, I did not know much about The Romanovs or the Russian Revolution. I discovered that early in the 2000s they discovered and confirmed that she was killed with the rest of her family; a fascinating piece of history. So, I wanted to know about it but at the same time not dive too deep into it. I learned a lot about the family and this type of history is tragic, that sorrow and loss, and the thought of trauma erasing your identity. This is what spoke to me the most.
What is your take on the story of The Romanov Family — fairytale or truth – and does it matter?
I don’t think it matters at all. In terms of people seeing it from the outside. An amazing part of this story is that she doesn’t know the world or who she is. It’s a special story of rediscovery about royalty, so it doesn’t matter to me if it’s a fairy tale.
Do you think that your Anastasia co-stars will remain longtime friends?
I rarely say yes, after I do shows with people we go back to our regular lives, this cast I have felt a significant connection to – you meet some of your best and closest friends, were getting to know each other, and be colleagues for a long time. They are the kindest people.
What is it like to go from drab deep brown clothing when Anya is down on her luck to glamorous gowns?
Honestly, I thought it was going to be a lot harder than I thought. I am a music-driven person. Music narrates my life. In the beginning, Anya is lost and sporadic, not quite extravagant. The music in Paris flows and is so elegant and that morphs me into more of an elegant person. Wearing beautiful dresses that have been beautifully designed.
How hard is it to learn to walk with a book on your head? Have you ever done it before this show?
[She laughed]. I guess I have a pretty flat head. It always needed to be a heavy book. If it was light it would slip off.
The music box in this musical evokes strong memories. Do you have anything like that from your childhood?
I did have a music box when I was a little kid with a ballerina in it. Like Anastasia, [it’s] a gorgeous lullaby I have known my entire life.
What are a few of your favorite Broadway musicals and why?
One of them is Miss Saigon. My mom is Filipino and she made me sit and listen to the cast recording for two and a half hours. Again, and again. It is still a cast recording I listen to often. Lea Salonga was leading a show at such a young age. I also love Spring Awakening, which I was introduced it in high school and I appreciated the pop-rock score. My dad was in a rock, country, and folk band when I was growing up, but I grew up truly loving theater, so it is a dream show for me.
What advice did you get when it came to pursuing a theater career?
I have heard from multiple dance teachers that you need to know this is going to be a hard life, and I heard it growing up a lot from the outer branches of my family. My parents were always very supportive. When I got started at family gatherings I would hear, “What are you going to do after school.” But I had to listen to my gut because nothing fills me like theater does. I honestly cannot see myself doing anything else. I was going to scrap theater for neuroscience, but I knew where my heart was. It was a risk and it still is a risk, but I am still enjoying it. Every day.
Did you know the show Anastasia before being cast in the leading role?
I grew up in L.A. and had the opportunity to go to New York to see a choir performance at Carnegie Hall. When I was there, I saw Hello Dolly and Anastasia with the original cast. I admired the production. I never saw myself as a princess or leading lady. It was such a lovely surprise to be granted the role, and I was very familiar with it.
What are a few of your favorite songs from Anastasia?
Once Upon a December has always stuck with me. I listened to the cast recording and it just stayed with me. I loved being in rehearsals with this ensemble of so many talents. Stay Pray You is probably the best song in the show. With everything happening in the world it resonates with me.
Have you ever been to New Hope before?
I have not, but I heard it is beautiful. I just came from the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut where I did a new work called Maggie. I love nature and I know I will see it a lot out there. I love driving around to see the Fall foliage it is a great escape. I know I will enjoy the cute little markets and boutiques. Things we can explore. The Princeton area is close so I may visit there. I look forward to getting to see the sights of New Hope, enjoying the quiet, and getting to know my cast members.
What else are you up to?
Releasing a single. Writing and playing the guitar. I adore movies! I find comfort in movies and TV shows, and I need sound around me when I am not in rehearsal. So, lots of media, TV and film, especially, horror, true crime, suspense.
What are you looking forward to for the future care-wise?
I grew up in L.A. and I am a major film and TV buff, but film and TV acting never appealed to me. I loved the aspect of performing live, With theater it’s a different show every night. [That] doesn’t mean I am opposed to screen acting. I see two movies a week, so I am not opposed to it. But right now, the stage has my heart and soul.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors, especially teens and young adults considering a career in musical theater?
My advice would be about auditioning. I don’t regret my audition process because I picked material I thought they were looking for, so I would say go with your gut. If you have a song you love to sing, pick it. Trying to choose underground material someone has never seen before. Just enjoy it. It’s hard. Any musical theater program is hard both physically and mentally.
You chose to do this because it fulfills you. People wallow in the hardships of the program. Being present is something I say to people. Don’t feel you have to do what everyone else does; just be yourself. That’s the overall. Don’t let anyone try to change you and don’t be conditioned to their type of performance and skill. Be confident in who you are and what you love. And find a balance.
Are your parents or other family members coming to New Hope to see you in Anastasia?
Luckily the show is happening through all of the holidays. My parents who live in Arizona are coming to the show around Christmas time. Some other relatives – my aunt, uncle, dad’s mom and aunt. So, I am very excited that they are. Actually, my favorite part of performing is doing it for people who I don’t know and making an audience member feel connected. I love having my family close by, but it is also exciting to discover what strangers think of me.
What is the most challenging aspect of this role?
The singing. This is the most vocally challenging role I have taken on. I rest my voice, use a Nebulizer, and drink crazy amounts of tea.
Do you dream of Anastasia and/or hear the music in your head as you drift off to sleep?
Definitely. When I first heard the song “Once Upon a December”, that song never left me. It was engraved in my brain. My choir teacher in high school always wanted me to sing that song. [It] constantly plays in my head, it’s a blessing, that my brain absorbs it and the music is my narrative and what drives the show.
Why should my readers come to this production?
Because we are at holiday time, so this is a perfect show to see. But it really boils down to the talent. This is an insanely gifted cast. Particularly the ensemble. This is a different kind of production of Anastasia. Our director has a clear vision, which is part of the mystery. It is exciting to do an impactful show.
Tickets to Anastasia may be purchased now via the Bucks County Playhouse Box Office by calling (215) 862-2121, or online at BucksCountyPlayhouse.org.