Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812

The Prologue of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, "There's a war going on somewhere out there, and Andrey isn't here," sets the stage for a captivating story of love, betrayal, and introspection. The musical brings Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace to life through an exhilarating blend of music and lyrics by Dave Malloy. The narrative follows Natasha Rostova, a young woman entangled in scandal, and Pierre Bezukhov, a man struggling with depression and marital troubles. Natasha is an impulsive girl in Moscow awaiting her fiancee, Andrey's return from the war. During a party, Anatole sees the beautiful Natasha and urges Hélène, his sister, to invite her to an upcoming ball. He becomes Natasha's new love and woos her away from Andrey. Natasha tries to escape with Anatole, but her friend Sonya divulges her plans. After making the scandalous decision to leave a good man for a married man, she was shunned and deemed unworthy of being a bride. However, things changed when she met Pierre, who spoke words of tenderness, adoration, and encouragement, reigniting her passion for love.

Pierre is deeply unhappy with his life and his marriage to Hélène and copes with his troubles by drinking heavily. His life takes an unexpected turn when he wins a duel to defend the honor of his unfaithful wife, which unfolds during the song "The Duel." It is a song that tells Pierre to "Keep drinking, Old Man," while saying to his unfaithful wife, here's to the health of married women and their lovers." After his life is spared, he seeks to regain his honor, and an outstanding performance by Evan Tyrone Martin as Pierre, singing, Dust and Ashes."

Set against the backdrop of a distant war, the story of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 unfolds with compelling characters, enchanting music and singing, and engaging performances. With music ranging from opera to Russian Electro House music, outstanding solo performances and amazing songs (Letters, No One Else, The Adduction, and Balaga) sung by Aurora Penepakcker, Bethany Thomas, and Joseph Anthony Byrd, who recently provided another outstanding performance at Writers Theater in The Hot Wing King as Isom; the entire thirteen-member cast was incredible. And don't miss Bri Sudia's excellent performance as Hélène and her sexy and sultry vocals singing "Charming." Lastly, Rob Lindley as Bolkonsky was hilarious.

The set design for Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is breathtaking. It features an exquisite staircase, intricately detailed gothic flooring, and beautiful chandeliers in the background, all framed by the outer walls of the theater. The stunning set design, lighting, and costumes were brought to life by the incredible work of three talented female designers, Courtney O'Neill, Raquel Adorno, and Yael Lubetzky, whose expertise truly elevated the overall theatrical experience.

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 may sometimes feel slightly lengthy and about 30 minutes too long; however, the play, lasting two hours and twenty minutes with an intermission, gradually captivates with its quirky humor and fantastic songs.

⭐⭐⭐

Writers Theater

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

Written by Dave Malloy

Directed & Choreographed by Katie Spelman

Music Direction by Matt Deitchman

Extended through November 3rd, 2024

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