Moscow, 1956. In the grey world of the USSR, a group of young rebels called stilyagi dared to wear bright clothes and dance to American jazz. Doctor Bob smuggles Western music by carving grooves into X-ray films — literally “boogie on the bones.” When Komsomol officer Mels falls for the mysterious Polly during a police raid, he must choose between duty and desire, safety and self-expression.

This electrifying new musical follows Mels’s transformation from loyal party member to a passionate jazz musician, guided by Bob’s darkly comic wisdom and charismatic Fred, who carries a devastating secret from his trip to America. As the authorities tighten their grip and friends disappear one by one, these young dreamers discover that sometimes the only way to stay human under an authoritarian regime is to put on a bright tie and play jazz.

Inspired by real events Boogie on the Bones is a story of love, music, and the price of freedom. With echoes of Cabaret and the energy of West Side Story, this intimate chamber musical asks: what would you risk to be yourself?

“We wanted to live like Americans, but we created something of our own — something human.”

A powerful reminder that in the darkest times, art becomes rebellion, and every song is an act of defiance

Cast:

Anastasia Aush – Polly

Arseniy Cassidy – Bob

Vera Raskina – Betsy

Max Taptygin – Fred

Olga Pipchanka – Katya

Andrii Zamiatin – Mels

Creative Team:

Director & Producer – Sofia Barysevich

Writer – Daria Besedina

Line Producer – Polina Ostrovskaya

Assistant Producer – Varvara Burtseva

Costume Designer – Anastasiia Glazova

Set Designer – Eldar Shibanov

Lighting Designer – thegeorgeNET

Sound Designer – Sasha Gefen

Choreographers – Anna Korzik, Wren Perkins

Custom Tailors – Tatiana Sheveleva, Olena Komova