Darlinghurst Theatre Company Announces ‘Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812’
Darlinghurst Theatre Company announces the highly anticipated Australian debut of “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”. The production, based on a scandalous slice of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, is an electro-pop opera that promises an immersive and memorable experience for the audience. The production features a talented ensemble of actor-musicians who will play instruments live on stage. The production boasts a brave score, striking choreography, and mesmerizing staging.
The show follows the young and spontaneous Natasha, who is awaiting the return of her beloved fiancé, Andrey, from the front lines. One night at the Opera, in a city exploding with hedonism and opulent excess, Natasha falls passionately in love with the dashing and already married Anatole. To solve her love conundrum, she turns to her lonely friend Pierre, in the middle of an existential crisis. He makes it his mission to extricate her from the risk of ruin and, in doing so, renew his own soul.
The electrifying cast of “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” features some of Australia’s most in-demand and quadruple threat performers. The production stars Grace Driscoll as Natasha and Zoy Frangos as Pierre, with Jules Pendrith playing the role of Anatole.
“Comet nails the 21st century opera, just like Les Mis was in the 80/90s. Comet, along with Hamilton, represents the Music Theatre Opera of now!” says Frangos, who is excited to bring his love for the theatre world and experience to the production.
Directed by Dean Drieberg, who also directed the Australian production of “Hamilton,” the show promises to be 15a visceral experience that brings the reimagined story to life.
“Natasha is such a compelling character because she feels everything so deeply,” says Grace Driscoll, playing Natasha. “She is described as young and naive, but I see this as her being bold and courageous; to feel so deeply and so honestly – the way children do. At some point in adulthood, we lose that, so I’m excited to play into that.”
The production opens to the public at Eternity Playhouse on July 9th, running until August 20th. The combination of the cast as an orchestra, paired with the production’s brave score, striking choreography, and mesmerizing staging, promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for the audience.
