Last show September 3
This ravishing adaptation draws from some of the most scandalous pages from Tolstoy's epic, War and Peace. Reimagined as a transporting electro-pop opera, writer Dave Malloy immerses us in the decadent world of the Russian Aristocracy, with all the trappings of romance, passion, caviar and vodka as the lives of the titular characters are changed forever under the light of certain cosmic phenomenon.
With a score that merges elements of Russian folk sounds, classical music and indie rock accents, this sung-through musical is a dazzling delight, and the winner of the 2017 Drama Desk Awards for Direction, and Set, Lighting and Sound Design. With book, music and lyrics from Malloy and direction from Rachel Chavkin, the show breaks the bounds of the regular theatrical experience, with the performers immersing themselves in the audience, bringing the action directly to you! It's no surprise the show was nominated for 12 Tonys, and won two of them!
What's the story?
Moscow glitters in the winter of 1812 as the decadence of the salons and opera houses continue to captivate the upper classes. War will soon be upon them, but the only battles to be fought for now are those of the heart. Into this twinkling chandelier paradise comes Natasha (Denee Benton), young, beautiful, engaged. Charged with spending the season with her Godmother, she and her cousin Sonya find the city to be most diverting and it is not long until Natasha is noticed by Anatole, roguish, handsome and very married. He steals her heart, taking her mind very far from her soldier fiance Andrey.
With a scandal on the horizon, Pierre, a wealthy young man on the verge of existential crisis, is drafted in by the Godmother to put a stop to any dishonor and save Natasha from social ruin. Without ever meeting the girl he sets out to help smooth things over, hoping to find himself a little bit of meaning on the way...