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Hartford Stage Artistic Director Darko Tresnjak announced today an electrifying cast of Broadway veterans for the premiere of the new musical Anastasia, which is inspired by the real life of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov and the enduring mystery of her true identity. Anastasia plays May 12 through June 12.

Christy Altomare will play Anya and Derek Klena will play Dmitry, the coveted romantic leads in Anastasia. Altomare's credits include Mamma Mia on Broadway and Wendla in the national tour of Spring Awakening. Klena's credits include The Bridges of Madison County and Wicked on Broadway.

The role of the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna will be played by Mary Beth Peil, who was nominated for a Tony Award for The King and I and who is well-known to TV audiences as Grams on “Dawson’s Creek" and as Jackie Florrick on “The Good Wife.”

Manoel Felciano, who was nominated for a Tony Award for Sweeney Todd, will play Gleb. John Bolton will play Vlad, opposite Caroline O'Connor, who will play Lily. Bolton's numerous Broadway credits include Spamalot and Curtains. O'Connor's many credits in Australia, the West End, and Broadway include A Christmas Story: The Musical, Chicago and the film Moulin Rouge. The role of Young Anya will be played by the Chicago native Nicole Scimeca, whose credits include Les Misérables and, on television, “The Wizard of Lies,” “Chicago Fire.”

Tresnjak says, "It has been a privilege to work with Lynn, Stephen, and Terrence over the past two years on Anastasia. I am thrilled that such a splendid company of actors and designers will join us in bringing to life this eagerly awaited world premiere."

The ensemble includes Lauren Blackman (Next Thing You Know); James Brown III (Rocky); Max Clayton (Gigi); Janet Dickinson (Bullets Over Broadway); Constantine Germanacos (Evita); Rayanne Gonzales (Hands on a Hardbody); Ken Krugman (The Visit); Kevin Ligon (On the Twentieth Century); Alida Michal (Wonderful Town); Shina Ann Morris (Cinderella); Kevin Munhall (Allegiance); Molly Rushing (Babes in Toyland); Johnny Stellard (Evita); and Samantha Sturm (On the Town). The swings will be Maxwell Carmel (New London Barn Playhouse company member); Katherine McLellan (Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals) and Riley Briggs (A Wonderful Life at Goodspeed Musicals).