Quote of the Day: Comet began at Ars Nova, an off-Broadway venue of about 80 seats. While watching the show grow in size and budget on its journey to Broadway was wonderful, there’s always been a soft spot in my heart for the scrappier, more DIY, original version of the show. I’m a big believer in putting on shows in one’s living room, with minimal production design; what really matters is the story and the music. Dave Malloy on creating his Broadway hit, Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, in an interview with Concord Theatricals, where you can go to inquire about licensing this incredible show. 

Phinehas Bynum as Pierre in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 at Theatre Elision, thru 11/22/25. Photo: Jolie Morehouse Olson

When I saw that Theatre Elision was mounting the Twin Cities premiere of Dave Molloy’s Broadway hit, Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, I stood up and said, “Yes!” I’ve been waiting eight years to see this show. I’d heard what a unique production this was from a few friends who saw it on Broadway. I spent all my birthday money to get a ticket on stage to sit at one of the tables and be immersed in this unique theatrical experience. Then, just before I got there, they had a cast change that blew up on the internet and it shut down the show. I missed it by one day. So, when Theatre Elision announced it for this season and sent out their media invites, I booked my ticket (which was months ago) immediately. And, I’m glad I did because this show is already selling out, and Theatre Elision easily makes up for my previous missed opportunity.

Bradley Johnson as Anatole and Anna Beth Baker as Natasha in The Great Comet at Theatre Elision, thru 11/22/25. Photo: Jolie Morehouse Olson

My housemate Kyara and I are huge fans of Dave Malloy’s Ghost Quartet which is an annual show at Theatre Elision. We listen to the music all the time and love Malloy’s style of storytelling and musical compositions. It’s immersive. It’s fantastical. It’s colorful and dark and filled with interesting characters and reflection on life and love and what makes us come alive. The Great Comet brings out all these elements as well, and the creative team at Theatre Elision has assembled a stellar cast and crew that makes the story come alive in magical ways. The live orchestra, led by Harrison Wade, is part of the set. People are seated on tables surrounding them, and the actors move in and out of their space and the entire theater. You feel like you’re at the old Russian tavern sharing in the experience. The show is based on 70 pages of the epic Russian novel War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, “the 70 most scandalous pages,” as someone said. 

Christine Wade as Helene in The Great Comet at Theatre Elision, thru 11/22/25. Photo: Jolie Morehouse Olson

Anna Beth Baker plays the beautiful and lovesick Natasha. She’s the kind of youthful, sweet soul that every man falls in love with. She’s engaged to Andre, who is off at war. Enter Anatole (played delightfully by Bradley Johnson) who quickly wins her heart with his charm and charisma, not to mention his sexy, buttery vocals that had everyone swooning. The love fest doesn’t stop there. Old Prince Bolkonsky (played with style by Jim Ahrens) is also looking for a bride. He’s introduced to Natasha (just in case Andre doesn’t make it home from the war?). Then, there’s Pierre (Phinehas Bynum), a brooding philosopher who spends time reading and writing and avoiding his wife Helene (Christine Wade). He also falls for Natasha. I was mesmerized by his song “Dust and Ashes.” 

Hawken Paul as Balaga in The Great Comet at Theatre Elision, thru 11/22/25. Photo: Jolie Morehouse Olson

This is the a huge undertaking for Theatre Elision with a much larger cast than usual. I won’t be able to highlight everyone even though they are all terrific from the dancers in the ensemble to the musicians who play various instruments. Vanessa Gamble is captivating as the strict mother Marya, concerned about scandals and marrying off her daughters to the right suitor, as mothers did in the 1800’s. I loved Hawken Paul as Balga and others. He also played violin and wandered in and out of the audience. He burst onto his featured scene “Balaga” with high energy and knee lifts that would put a marching band to shame. Kyle Chase is adorable as Helene’s lover and Anatole’s best friend Dolokhov. I also found Maureen O’Malley’s portrayal of Sonya to be endearing. She is Natasha’s best friend and cousin. Their relationship is heartbreaking and so real.

Cast of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 at Theatre Elision, thru 11/229/25. Photo: Jolie Morehouse Olson

Lindsay Fitzgerald directed and designed this fun and dynamic show with choreography by Janessa Iverson. Stage manager and lighting Designer is Laina Grendle. Sound design by Andrea Johnson. Gorgeous costumes represent the time period, the fluidity of the movement and story, and offer some fun effects with certain lighting cues. 

You can experience Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 at Theatre Elision through November 22, 2025. DO NOT WAIT TO GET YOUR TICEKTS. Shows are selling out fast. This is a unique, immersive, dynamic, heart-throbbing production and you don’t want to miss it. I’m trying to figure out how I can go again before it closes, and bring my friend who missed it!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Have you read War and Peace? What’s the biggest artistic challenge you’ve faced so far?