SYNOPSIS:

NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 is a vibrant and immersive musical inspired by a 70-page slice of Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace." This vibrant musical brings us just inches from Tolstoy’s brash young lovers as they light up Moscow with romance and passion.

Natasha is visiting Moscow while she waits for her beloved fiancée Andrey to return from the war. In a moment of indiscretion, she is seduced by the dashing (but already married) Anatole and her position in society is ruined. Her only hope lies with Pierre, the lonely outsider whose love and compassion for Natasha may be the key to her redemption… and to the renewal of his own soul. Winner of two Tony Awards, The Great Comet features a groundbreaking score that mixes rock, pop, soul, folk and electronic dance music with classic Broadway.

STORYLINE:

The attention-grabbing Natasha is engaged to Prince Andrey - she is from the country and he is a Prince, breaking many social norms of the time.  While Andrey is off fighting in the war, Natasha travels to Moscow with her best friend, Sonya, to meet, and hopefully gain the approval of Andrey’s family, but they do not welcome her, and she leaves dejected. When she shows up later at the opera, all beauty and bare shoulders and arms, the playboy Anatole falls in love, and Natasha is overcome with passion for him - he’s so hot!

Meanwhile, Natasha's old friend, Pierre, one of Russia's richest men and married to the beautiful but unfaithful Hélène, laments the emptiness of his life and seeks a higher purpose.

Pierre and Dolokhov, who is Helene’s lover and Anatole’s friend, get into a drunken duel and Anatole begs Pierre’s wife Helene to invite Natasha to the ball. Later on at the ball, Natasha and Anatole dance. Just before she tells him that she is engaged, he kisses her and she falls in love.

Natasha breaks off her engagement so she can be with Anatole, and Anatole plans an elopement to be with her. Pierre finds out and angrily searches Moscow for Anatole - Anatole is already married! What is he thinking? An elopement would ruin him. Natasha finds out that Anatole is already married, and she poisons herself but doesn’t die. 

The next day Andrey returns from war, confused about Natasha’s behavior and asks Pierre to explain. Pierre tells him about all the drama and implores Andrey to have compassion for Natasha, but Andrey is cold and tells Pierre that he will not be asking for Natasha’s hand in marriage again. Pierre relays the message to Natasha but leaves her with hope. As he leaves, the Great Comet of 1812 flies across the sky, leaving Pierre with a sense of enlightenment.

SEEKING:

PIERRE

Baritone/Tenor. The socially-anxious, illegitimate son of an old Russian grandee. A melancholy outsider, despite his great wealth.

NATASHA

Lyrical Soprano. Profoundly, lethally romantic, innocent, and full of hope.

SONYA

Mezzo, folky. Natasha's dear friend and confidante, she has lived with Natasha's family like a daughter since childhood. Passionate, selfless, loyal, and devoted to her friend.

ANATOLE

Tenor+ with a pop belt. Aristocrat. Seductive hedonist. Impulsive. Someone you'd ruin your life for.

MARYA D

Mezzo with a high rock belt. Marya is strong-willed and resilient. The grande dame of Moscow. Strong sense of humor, self-awareness and glamour.

HELENE

Alto, contemporary. Aristocrat, the queen of society. The most beautiful woman in Moscow who, now, married and bored…creates drama in the lives of others.

FEDYA DOLOKHOV

Baritone. An extremely talented marksman and Anatole's closest friend. He shares Anatole’s pleasure-loving lifestyle and is having an alleged affair with Hélène.

PRINCE ANDREY / OLD PRINCE BOLKONSKY

Baritone/Baritenor. Actor double-cast as father and son. Son, Prince Andrey, is the finest catch in all of Russia. A handsome and noble officer, though heavy of heart after his years at war. Father is a conservative, old-fashioned aristocrat whose dementia has caused him to be alternately nasty and incapacitated. Lives with his still unmarried daughter, whom he torments but also relies on to take care of him. Ideally plays guitar.

PRINCESS MARY / OPERA SINGER

Soprano / Extended Vocal Technique: Princess Mary is a lonely and caring woman. The daughter of Old Prince Bolkonsky, she lives at home with her father as his caregiver, where she is tormented and abused by him. Also doubles as the "Opera Singer" who uses extended vocal techniques.

BALAGA / OPERA SINGER

Rock Baritone / Extended vocal technique. Balaga is the ageless, mythic Russian troika driver. Has supernatural abilities and can drink inhuman amounts. Can go harder than anyone. Anywhere. Ever. Also doubles as the "Opera Singer" who uses extended vocal techniques.

COMPANY

The company is a diverse group of performers who portray various characters and play an integral role in creating the world of the show. Strong singing, movement, and acting abilities are required.