Landmark Community Theatre’s (LCT) new production of Anastasia the Musical is a fairy tale, but one “steeped in modern history rather than fantasy,” says its veteran director.

Inspired by the history of Russia’s Romanov family, the story has been portrayed through historical accounts as well as popular film and stage adaptations.

Directed by Michael Calabrese, Landmark’s production of Anastasia opens Saturday at the Thomaston Opera House. It is a family show, but it is not what some might be expecting with a Disney princess as its centerpiece.

“When you strip away the grand palaces, costumes, and enduring legend of the Romanov family,” says Calabrese in his production notes, “You are left with a deeply human story about identity, belonging, loss, hope, and the belief that even after life-changes beyond recognition we can still discover who we are meant to be.”

Anastasia is the young woman who was said to have escaped the murder of her family in Russia in 1918 and survived for many years thereafter, seeking her place in a profoundly troubled and troubling world.

Calabrese, who has appeared in many stage roles in addition to being an experienced LCT director (Kinky Boots, Shrek, Beauty and the Beast), calls this show one of his most challenging and rewarding. It features a musical score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, overseen by music director Tricia O’Porto with choreography by Peggy Terhune.

“The music is wonderful, and one of the things that makes this show so exciting is the dances … Peggy has done tremendous work to make them fun, from waltzes to the Charleston to the ballet,” Calabrese says.

Lilly Percival stars as Anastasia in this production with a cast of veteran actors including Chris Guertin, Kimberly Parsons-Whitaker, Antonio Mantero, Robert Wiener and Olivia Johnson and a large stage ensemble.

“Michael’s a pro, he’s very good, we know things are in good hands,” says Jeff Dunn, executive director of LCT.

Anastasia opens Saturday at 7 p.m. and continues over the following two weekends at the Thomaston Opera House, 158 Main St., with Friday and Saturday performances at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets may be ordered online or by calling the box office at 860-283-6250.