Anna K. is an epic musical theater piece befitting its inspiration in one of the most ambitious, acclaimed, and ubiquitous novels of all time, Anna Karenina. However, it is far from an austere or intimidating re-telling. Immediately accessible and entertaining, Anna K. manages to transpose the classic work’s timeless themes of heartbreak, privilege, class, and a search for meaning to contemporary NYC society. In this incarnation, we find Anna as a former actress turned unhappy wife to Karenin’s blue blood NYC mayoral candidate. Vronsky, a Black venture capitalist, comes to NYC after a harrowing stint as a special forces soldier in Afghanistan. His affair with Anna unveils the limits of his access to circles of power and privilege as incidents of racism grow increasingly overt. Levin is a gentleman farmer and philanthropist in love with Kitty, a young woman questioning her goals in life as a socialite turned Karenin’s campaign manager. Lydia and Nikolai, more minor characters in the novel, become major components of the story representing two opposing archetypes of morality and a life well lived. 

Music/lyrics/story by Chris Keup, book by Chris Keup and acclaimed novelist/screenwriter Arthur Phillips (Bloodline, Damages, Tokyo Vice). An additional song each by Jonathan Spottiswoode and Amy Correia.