The Tony Award nominee takes over from Ramin Karimloo as Gleb in the Broadway musical.
Tony Award nominee Max von Essen steps into Anastasia on Broadway December 5, taking over from original company member Ramin Karimloo. Von Essen is playing the role of ruthless Soviet officer Gleb in the new musical, a role that was created especially for the musical stage adaptation.
Inspired by the classic film, Anastasia follows a young woman’s journey of discovery from Russia to Paris in the 1920s. Pursued by Gleb, Anastasia enlists the help of a handsome conman and an amiable ex-aristocrat.
Karimloo, a Tony nominee for the 2014 Broadway revival of Les Misérables, played his final performance December 3.
Von Essen received his first Tony Award nomination for creating the role of Henri Baurel in An American in Paris. He appeared as Magaldi in the 2012 Broadway revival of Evita, and played Enjorlas in the 2006 Broadway revival of Les Misérables.
Anastasia officially opened at the Broadhurst Theatre April 24. The musical features a score by Tony Award winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty and an all-new book by Tony winner Terrence McNally.
Darko Tresnjak directs a cast headed by Christy Altomare as Anya, Derek Klena as Dmitry, John Bolton as Vlad, Caroline O’Connor as Lily, and Tony nominee Mary Beth Peil as Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna.