'War and Peace' meets electronic pop in Auburn Theatre & Dance's production of 'Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812'

2/22/2024

Students rehearse Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 — Credit: Henry Eiland

Auburn University Theatre and Dance invites audiences to witness the wonder of "Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812," running at the Telfair B. Peet Mainstage Theatre, Feb. 22 to March 1.

Pulled from a slice of Leo Tolstoy’s "War and Peace," the musical follows Natasha, Pierre, Anatole and a motley crew of Russians through Moscow as a comet enters the atmosphere. Backed by a vibrant electro-pop score, the musical weaves together stories of romance, intrigue, action, betrayal and existential crisis.

Director Andrew Schwartz said the complexity of the music is matched by the emotional journey of the characters.

"Our students have done an incredible job embodying these literary figures entirely through song," Schwartz said. "The set, lighting and costume design are spectacular, and the live orchestra is brilliant. I think audiences will be thrilled by the beautiful music, entranced by the design and highly entertained by this talented ensemble of Auburn students. Tolstoy has never before been this much fun."

Sydney Pereira and Patrick Barnett star as the title characters Natasha and Pierre, accompanied by a full ensemble, opera singers and orchestra.

Auburn's production of Dave Malloy's Tony Award-winning musical is the regional college premiere of the show. Chair Tessa Carr said Auburn students will be among the first to take on Tolstoy's classic tale through modern performance.

"This production offers a new musical challenge to our students," Carr said. "The entire musical is a combination of singing, orchestra and electronic musical tracks. 'Comet,' as Dr. Elizabeth Benson stated, engages our students in 'a modern reimagining of formative operatic structures' while practicing the skill sets for future work in the industry."

All Department of Theatre and Dance productions are FREE for Auburn students. To claim your tickets and find more information about the show, visit the Theatre and Dance website.

Tags: Theatre and Dance Arts and Culture