“The musical burrows deep into their souls as well, and the result is a stunningly original piece of work that elevates the pop opera genre to new heights on Broadway.”
MusicalOriginal
MUSICALORIGINALCLOSED
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
Imperial Theatre · Opened Nov 14, 2016 · Closed Sep 3, 2017 · Ran for 10 months
Critics' Take
Critics hail this immersive electro-pop opera as a thrilling, inventive spectacle that transforms the Imperial Theatre into a lavish Russian nightclub, though some find the style-over-substance approach occasionally hollow beneath the dazzling production.
Critic Scorecard
47 reviewsSort:
“When the dancers are leaping, the accordions wheezing, the lights flashing, the skirts swirling, and the vodka flowing, then Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 feels thrillingly unlike anything else on Broadway.”
“This maverick show and its boundlessly inventive production are no less audacious or satisfying in their bid to rejuvenate the American musical. Don't miss it.”
“It is both the most innovative and the best new musical to open on Broadway since “Hamilton,” and an inspiring sign that the commercial theater can continue to make room for the new.”
“One of the most thrilling Broadway musicals this decade, The Great Comet is intimate yet epic, ironic yet deeply felt, cosmic yet down to earth.”
Audience Scorecard
3.4K audience reviews
A-
Liking It
Awards Scorecard
2016-17 season69
Honored
Won Best Scenic Design (Musical) + 1 more
Lortel Award:6 wins / 7 nomsDrama Desk:4 wins / 6 nomsDrama League:1 nom
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812?
Critics hail this immersive electro-pop opera as a thrilling, inventive spectacle that transforms the Imperial Theatre into a lavish Russian nightclub, though some find the style-over-substance approach occasionally hollow beneath the dazzling production. (CriticScore 83/100 from 47 reviews.)
Is Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 worth seeing?
Absolutely — Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is one of the season's most acclaimed shows, earning a rare 83/100 from 47 critics. Don't miss it.
What is the CriticScore for Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812?
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 has a CriticScore of 83/100 based on 47 professional reviews. This is considered a "Critical Gold" show.
Is Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 still running on Broadway?
No, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 has closed. It played at Imperial Theatre and closed on September 3, 2017.
Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueThe Imperial Theatre offers good sightlines with minimal obstructions and solid sound quality, though some seats may miss minor stage action. While the ambiance is enhanced by its historic architectural design, comfort is average with decent legroom. Facilities are lacking, with long restroom lines being a common issue.
Original Broadway Cast
- Denée BentonNatashaNom: Actress (Musical)Broadway debut
- Josh GrobanPierreNom: Actor (Musical)Broadway debut
- Brittain AshfordSonyaBroadway debut
- Gelsey BellMary/Opera Singer/MaidservantBroadway debut
- Nicholas BeltonAndrey/Bolkonsky
- Nick ChoksiDolokhovBroadway debut
- Amber GrayHélèneBroadway debut
- Grace McLeanMarya DBroadway debut
Notable Replacements
- Dave MalloyPierreNom: Book (Musical)During Josh Groban's hiatus
- Okieriete OnaodowanPierre
- Scott StanglandPierre
- Brittain AshfordSonya
- Courtney BassettMary/Opera Singer/Maidservant
- Ingrid MichaelsonSonyaBroadway debut
- Erica DorflerEnsemble
- Brad GiovanineEnsembleBroadway debut
Creative Team
- Rachel ChavkinDirector
- Dave MalloyBook
- Dave MalloyMusic & Lyrics
- Sonny PaladinoMusic Supervision
- Or MatiasMusic Direction
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 83/100 (47 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Nov 14, 2016
- Closed
- Sep 3, 2017
- Run Length
- 10 months
- Runtime
- Synopsis
- Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (or simply The Great Comet) is a sung-through musical adaptation of a 70-page segment from Leo Tolstoy's 1869 novel War and Peace. The show was written by composer, lyricist, playwright, orchestrator Dave Malloy and originally directed by Rachel Chavkin.
- Data Last Updated
- September 13, 2026
