The Countess Has Arrived: Rhonda Burchmore on ANASTASIA

Inspired by the beloved animated film and the enduring legend of the lost Romanov, Anastasia the Musical has captivated audiences around the world.

The story follows a young woman known only as Anya, a fearless street sweeper with no memory of her past, who becomes entangled in a daring scheme devised by two conmen — Dmitry, a charming former aristocrat turned hustler, and Vlad, his suavely opportunistic partner. Struck by Anya’s uncanny resemblance to the long-lost Grand Duchess Anastasia, they set out on a bold journey across Russia, hoping to present her to the Dowager Empress. But as the trio travel further from St Petersburg and deeper into Anya’s forgotten history, questions begin to rise: is she simply the perfect imposter, or could there be something far more extraordinary hidden in her past?

Stepping into this world is none other than Australian theatre royalty Rhonda Burchmore, who stars as the formidable and flamboyant Countess Lily.

Rhonda is one of Australia’s most iconic and enduring performers. Over more than 40 years, she has graced stages across Australia and the world in blockbuster musicals, acclaimed cabaret seasons, concert tours and beloved variety productions. Known for her powerhouse voice, statuesque presence and razor-sharp comedic instincts, she has starred in Mamma Mia!, Hairspray, The Drowsy Chaperone, Hot Shoe Shuffle, Chicago, Song and Dance, The Producers, and countless revues for the Sydney and Melbourne seasons. A celebrated recording artist and television personality, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her contribution to the performing arts. Rhonda remains a singular force in Australian entertainment.

With her effortless comedic timing, commanding stage presence and signature glamour, Rhonda prepares to bring a fresh burst of wit and charm to the world of Anastasia. As she steps into Countess Lily’s heels, she reflects on what makes the role such a joy to inhabit and why this production feels like something truly special.

How are you approaching the Countess? Are we getting a bit of ‘Rhonda’ in there?

Rhonda: Oh, absolutely. I mean, it’s a little like Sister Act — I never looked at the film, I never looked at the copies of people overseas, how they did it in London or wherever. The wonderful thing I love is she’s the Countess Lily, and she’s quite sophisticated and all of those things. But she certainly knows how to let her hair down and have a few drinks with the boys and get rowdy. Some people would say it’s not that far from the truth, like the real Rhonda. Certainly I will be bringing a lot of Rhonda to that, whatever that is. Especially that wonderful scene, “The Land of Yesterday,” which is a bit of a showstopper in the second half, with the entire cast dancing and singing and going crazy with a bottle of vodka in one arm and sculling it back with the other, and doing a shimmy and a lift. It’s like a wicked party piece. So, very much looking forward to that.

You’re working alongside some remarkable performers in this company. What can you tell us about the cast you’ll be joining?

Rhonda: I’m really looking forward to it. The gorgeous Georgina Hopson — she’s a superstar. I did Into the Woods many, many years ago when she was just out of college, and she played Cinderella, and I thought, my God, there is a star in the making. And sure enough, she is just going to be perfect. And to be alongside Nancye [Hayes] — I mean, people say to me, “theatre royalty,” and then you go, well, my gosh, this is another level when you’ve got Nancye. It’s going to be glorious. She happens to be a dear friend as well, so I’m very excited about that. Oh, Rodney Dobson — he is phenomenal and amazing. And Robert Tripolino — my God, what a talent. They all are! I’m really excited!

Your recent roles have shown so many different facets of what you do. This seems like another chance to bring it all together.

Rhonda: And this role, too, is a lovely acting role because she’s not just all crazy, pissy-poo at the Paris club. There’s a beautiful side to her — how she cares for the Dowager, Nancye’s role, because she’s her lady-in-waiting. It’ll be great to show my acting chops as well. And then there’s the wonderful stuff I do with Rodney Dobson as my wicked lover. So, a lot of sides of Lily.

What are you most excited about with this production?

Rhonda: I guess… oh gosh. I’m excited and yet really kind of — not scared, but — it’s just that massive weight when you do a huge number like [“Land of Yesterday”] with Lily. You don’t see her much in the first half; she jumps off the stage. She does make an entrance. I’m excited about the glamour and the glorious costumes. This won the Tony for Best Costume. The beautiful production… I haven’t been in [a show] like this. Hairspray was a different thing, Sister Act. Mamma Mia! completely different. This is probably the most glamorous. That whole era of the 20s — I think I will relish the costumes and getting to build out a massive number like that. And hopefully pull it off! [laughs]

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Anastasia The Musical opens at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from December.

For tickets and more information, visit anastasiathemusical.com.au