Don Bluth spent the summer directing the Broadway Musical, Anastasia, based on his beloved animated film in his theater. In the history of animation, Don Bluth will be the first ever animation director to direct a Broadway version of his own animated film, in his own theater, named after himself the “Don Bluth Front Row Theater”. Don Bluth has worked tirelessly, auditioning, and rehearsing, and perfecting the performance. I got to witness the production of it first hand, and I will say, it is amazing. You could feel the emotion in the room, everyone knew how important this was and were happy to be able to experience it. The amount of work that goes into a play with a cast of 26 is intense. With seats already sold out for every show, they plan to add more dates to the roster. If you can get tickets and get out to Arizona, do it, you will not be disappointed. The show opens tonight 9/12/24, the day before Don Bluth’s birthday.

We got the honor of asking Don Bluth a couple questions about the show:

1.) Mr. Bluth, what was it like directing the Broadway Musical version of your animated film?
Don Bluth: I will tell you something most fans do not know. During the making of the animated version of ANASTASIA There were no seasoned animators to be found. Both Disney and DreamWorks had hired them all up. So, we went to the Philipines and hired some fabulous comic book artists and taught them the art of animation. To do that, I directed the entire movie of ANASTASIA, using real actors on a sound stage. The animators used that live-action reference, which is called, “stats,” the animation version was caricatured from that. Human characters in an animated move are not cartoons. What was It like to direct people? It was thrilling. I also briefly directed all the live-action scenes from the movie ROCK-A-DOODLE.

2.) Do you find it difficult to direct real life people more than animated characters? Or is it vice versa?
Don Bluth: Animated characters are symbols of people in real life. What’s the quote? “Art imitates life.” Inspiration comes from the real world we live in. Having said that, I have to admit that directing real life people, comes with complications. Every cast member has problems, either they are egotistical, depressed or have physical limitations; but, they also have talents and insights. Sure, it is easier to sit at a desk with just paper, a pencil, and your own precious thoughts. I love working with people. They inspire me with my own graphic art.

3.) The Broadway version of Anastasia has many changes, such as missing Rasputin and Bartok the Bat, are you happy with the changes the writers made?
Don Bluth: When I first read the Broadway Musical script. I felt a little cheated. RASPUTIN was no longer the villain in the story, and BARTOK, the little white bat, was no longer the clown. When the road company came to Arizona, I went to see the production and was overwhelmed by a different reaction. The musical version had matured. I fell in love with it. Stephen Flarehty’s haunting melodies, and Lynn Ahrens rich lyrics, simply blew me away, and I loved what I both saw and heard. What was it that my old English Professor used to tell us:. “When you change the form of any art, you also change its content.” As fate would have it, I now own a legitimate theatre. My name is on the door, and I just open the Broadway musical Sept 12. And I directed it. Go Figure. Is that Kismet?

4.) Are there any of your films you would also like to direct in your theater? Perhaps Thumbelina? Or the popular An American Tail the Musical which was adapted for stage in 2023?
Don Bluth: T. H. White wrote a book called THE ONCE AND FUTRE KING, a great read. In one of the last chapters there is a quote that sticks in my head. It says; “We are all drops in a great sea of muddy water, but Pell, sometimes the drops do sparkle.” I leave the opportunities that fall on my plate to the Gods. Whatever they toss in my direction, I will do my best. Somebody is driving the train, but it’s not me. I’m merely an artist, trying to beautify the world.

Thank you Mr. Bluth for taking our questions!

From the Theater’s Website:

DBFRT is proud to be the first Community Theatre in Arizona to present an adult cast production.

Her past is a mystery. Her future is an adventure. Anastasia: The Musical is the spectacular new musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be. From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, this dazzling show transports the audience 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 Dmitry and a lovable ex-aristocrat Vlad. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.

Inspired by the 1997 Twentieth Century Fox Motion Picture animation film directed and produced by Don Bluth. By special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical and from the play by Marcelle Maurette as adapted by Guy Bolton

ACCOLADES
Nominee! Two 2017 Tony Awards
Nominee! Nine 2017 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical

For more Information visit: http://www.DonBluthFrontRowTheater.com
Images courtesy of The Don Bluth Front Row Theater.