Max von Essen to Depart Broadway's Anastasia in December

Max von Essen will play his final performance as Gleb in Broadway's Anastasia on December 16. The next actor to take on the role will be announced in the coming weeks.

Essen joined the production in December 2017, replacing Ramin Karimloo, who originated the role. He previously appeared in the 2012 revival of Evita as Agustin Magaldi, and in the first revival of Les Misérables as Enjolras. In addition to von Essen, the company is currently led by Christy Altomare, Zach Adkins, John Bolton, Judy Kaye, and Vicki Lewis.

Anastasia opened at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 24. The musical features a book by Terrence McNally and an original score by Tony Award winners Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics). Tony winner Darko Tresnjak directs. Ahrens and Flaherty penned the tunes for the 1997 animated film on which the stage musical is based, and have expanded their score, which contains the songs "Once Upon a December" and "Journey to the Past," for the theatrical production.