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Know Before You Go

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Run Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes Including a 15 minute intermission

  • This is the long-awaited Chicago premiere of Great Comet, which was a smash off-Broadway hit that picked up 2 Tony Awards and 12 nominations when it premiered on Broadway in 2016.

  • Great Comet is adapted from a 70-page section of Leo Tolstoy’s celebrated novel, War and Peace. The musical centers on the young Natasha Rostova, who is spending the winter in Moscow awaiting the return of her fiancée from the frontlines of the Napoleonic wars. However, during a trip to the Opera, Natasha meets the roguish Anatole and instantly falls under his spell. Pierre, a family friend of the Rostovs and the best friend of Natasha’s fiancée, must push through his existential crisis and help save the engagement and reputations of his dear friends.

  • Dave Malloy is the creative genius behind the eclectic musical, writing the book, lyrics, and music—as well as originally performing the role of Pierre in the off-Broadway run. 

  • Director/Choreographer Katie Spelman and Music Director Matt Deitchman reunite after collaborating together on WT’s hit production of Once in 2023.

  • Sungthrough from beginning to end, the score of Great Comet has been described as an “electro-pop opera,” taking inspiration from “Russian ballet and opera to golden age musical theatre to contemporary indie rock and electronica.” A cast of 13 and a band of eight musicians bring this incredible story and music to life on a grand set with opulent costumes, mere feet away from audience members in the lovingly intimate Nichols Theatre.

Additional information on the content of the play follows and may contain spoilers.

  • This production contains drinking, mentions of suicide, and gun violence


Please note that late seating and re-entry is at the discretion of house management and is not guranteed.

This is a reserved seat venue. Doors to the performance space will open approximately 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the performance.

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 will be performed in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre 

To settle in for the performance, we encourage you to arrive early to purchase snacks & drinks, explore the bookstore corridor, relax in our gallery walkway or rooftop terrace!