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Draft:Learn To Do It
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"Learn to Do It"
Song by Liz Callaway, Jonathan Dokuchitz, Kelsey Grammer
from the album Anastasia: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Released1997
Recorded1996
Studio20th Century Fox
GenreMusical theater
Length2:36
Label20th Century Fox
ComposerStephen Flaherty
LyricistLynn Ahrens
Liz Callaway, Jonathan Dokuchitz, Kelsey Grammer singles chronology
"In the Dark of the Night"
(1997)
"Learn to Do It"
(1997)
"Learn to Do It (Waltz Reprise)"
(1997)

“Learn to Do It” is a musical number from the 1997 animated film Anastasia, composed by Stephen Flaherty with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. The song is performed in the film by the characters Vladimir (Kelsey Grammer), Anastasia “Anya” (singing voice Liz Callaway), and Dimitri (singing voice Jonathan Dokuchitz). Serving as a fast-paced training montage, it showcases Anya learning etiquette, history, and courtly behavior in preparation to impersonate Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov. The number is known for its rapid-fire lyrics, playful pacing, and humorous references to Russian history. It was later expanded for the 2017 Broadway adaptation of Anastasia.[1][2]

Background

Animated film

“Learn to Do It” appears on the official Anastasia soundtrack released by 20th Century Fox in 1997.[3] Within the film, the song condenses Anya’s lessons on becoming the Grand Duchess and the trio’s journey from St. Petersburg to Paris into a single number.[4]

According to lyricist Lynn Ahrens, the song was inspired by the patter-song style of performers like Danny Kaye, with the challenge of cramming a “million facts per square inch” into the lyrics. Many of the names referenced are actual members of the Romanov family or figures from the Imperial Russian court.[5] Composer Stephen Flaherty recalled that the studio wanted a catchy, sing-along tune comparable to My Fair Lady’s “The Rain in Spain.”[6]

The film also includes a waltz reprise of the song, slowed to three-quarter time with a more romantic feel, highlighting Vlad’s growing awareness of Anya and Dimitri’s affection.[7]

Stage musical adaptation

For the 2017 Broadway musical adaptation, “Learn to Do It” was expanded to feature the central trio—Anya, Dmitry, and Vlad—covering additional lessons, bickering, mood swings, dancing, and Anya’s ultimate mastery of her memorization.[8] The stage version also inspired a balladic reprise, “Meant to Be,” which offers a more intimate view of Vlad’s character.[9]

Director and composer commentary indicates that the song was carefully adapted from the original film to retain fan-favorite elements while expanding its dramatic and comedic potential for modern audiences.[10]

On the Broadway cast recording, “Learn to Do It” is performed by Christy Altomare, Derek Klena, and John Bolton.[11] Stage productions often highlight comedic choreography, including moments like Dmitry being hit by a chalkboard, adding physical humor to the sequence.[12]

Reception

Critics and audiences have noted “Learn to Do It” as a playful, intricate number with both humor and musicality. Reviews of the original film soundtrack describe it as the most complex song in the score, combining rapid lyricism with trio harmonies.[13] Stage reviewers praised the chemistry between performers and the choreography that highlights both playfulness and narrative advancement.[14]

The song is often cited by cast members and fans as a memorable highlight of both the film and stage musical.[15]

References

  1. ^ "Anastasia 1997 Learn to Do It". FoxSanastasia.fandom.com. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  2. ^ "Anastasia – Broadway Musical Review". Stage Whispers. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  3. ^ "Anastasia Soundtrack Tracklist". Filmtracks. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  4. ^ "The Songs of Anastasia". EW. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  5. ^ "The Songs of Anastasia". EW. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  6. ^ "The Songs of Anastasia". EW. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  7. ^ "The Songs of Anastasia". EW. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  8. ^ "Track-by-Track Breakdown of Anastasia". Playbill. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  9. ^ "Track-by-Track Breakdown of Anastasia". Playbill. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  10. ^ "An Interview with Lynn Ahrens". The Interval. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  11. ^ "Track-by-Track Breakdown of Anastasia". Playbill. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  12. ^ "Interview: Willem Butler on Anastasia". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  13. ^ Newman, David (1997-11-23). "Anastasia Movie Review". Virginia Pilot. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  14. ^ "Stunning Journey with Snow Colleges Anastasia". Utah Theatre Bloggers. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  15. ^ "Behind the Scenes with Madeline Raube from Anastasia". Hanover Theatre. Retrieved 2026-01-16.

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