Five Reasons You Need to See Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
By the Arvada Center’s Leslie Simon
1. This is the Colorado premiere of this award-winning musical!
The Arvada Center’s production of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is the first time this musical will be performed in the state of Colorado. Adapted by Dave Malloy from a 70-page slice of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, this sung-through immersive musical first premiered at Ars Nova in New York City in 2012. This production runs through March 31 at the Arvada Center.
2. It’s the first time the Arvada Center has ever produced an immersive musical like this.
Prepare to be fully immersed in the world of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 from the moment you walk into the Black Box Theatre’s lobby. The lobby and theatre have been turned into a Russian speakeasy - and some audience members will even be seated directly on the stage! Visit the Arvada Center’s event webpage to explore the different seating arrangements available depending on how immersive you want to get.
3. The sets and costumes are amazing - and designed by Colorado artists.
All of the amazing sets, costumes, props and more that you see in this production (and every Arvada Center production) are created by the Arvada Center’s wonderful team of designers and crew - many who may live right in your neighborhood.
4. Many of the actors play live instruments - including Neyla Pekarek from The Lumineers!
Prepare to be engulfed in wonderful sounds as actors roam the Black Box Theatre playing live instruments from french horns to guitars; there is even an accordion! Audiences may know some of these actor/musicians from past Arvada Center productions, and they also may recognize Neyla Pekarek, formerly of The Lumineers, who is making her Arvada Center debut.
5. The music is in a variety of cool styles.
Described by Composer Dave Malloy as an “electropop opera,” this cool musical combines all kinds of musical styles including Russian folk, classic Broadway, indie rock, EDM and more. When Malloy was writing the music, he created inspirational playlists for each character, with Pierre’s playlist including Smokey Robinson, Fiona Apple, and The Flaming Lips. Get your tickets today!