On 2nd October 2024, a new musical drama The Last Romanoff premiered at the International House of Music in Moscow. The intriguing plot of the production is based on real events of Russia’s last Tsar, the causes of the revolution and its consequences.

The creator of the libretto, composer and director is Alexander Ragulin. The main roles in the production are performed by popular stars of Russian musicals, as well as theater and film actors.

The Last Romanoff is not for those who love rock music, contemporary, impressive scenery, or musical comedy shows. Instead, this musical-drama takes an historical turn, one which focuses on the horrific events that took place in Russia in 1918, events which plunged the Russian Empire, the monarchy and the Imperial Family into an abyss.

The musical tells, and most importantly, shows the story of the tragic fate of the last Russian emperor, Nicholas II, who was shot along with his family and faithful retainers in the Ipatiev House in Ekaterinburg on 17th July 1918. As it should be in this genre, music dominates, the vocals reveal the character of the Tsar and his family, and other characters, which “transmit” to the audience the story that turned the world upside down.

Without colourful background scenery and special effects, it is music which present the plot of this drama. The acting, the dynamics of the performance, the mood of the characters, all set against the backdrop of a dark, gloomy, dimly lit stage, help in telling the story.

Actor, composer, vocalist, producer and director Alexander Ragulin (who plays the role of Rasputin) has assembled an amazing cast: Igor Balalaev, Valeria Lanskaya, Alexander Marakulin, Yaroslav Bayarunas and others – a total of 12 artists.

The Imperial Family: Nicholas II, his wife, four daughters, the sick Tsesarevich Alexei – and further down the list all the famous historical figures: Rasputin, Kerensky, Yusupov… The emperor’s daughters work in the hospitals and wonderful singing are all featured in this production.

The musical drama The Last Romanoff runs until 24th December 2024 at the International House of Music in Moscow.

© Paul Gilbert. 5 October 2024