A tale of romance and self-discovery set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars comes to the stage this fall as Weatherford College’s Fine and Performing Arts Department presents “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.”
The musical, adapted from a section of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, takes the stage Oct. 29, 30 and 31 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. in the Alkek Fine Arts Center. Admission is free. The production is rated PG for some adult themes.
Set in aristocratic Russia in 1812, the story follows Natasha Rostova, a young woman engaged to military officer Andrei Bolkonsky, and Count Pierre Bezukhov, a wealthy nobleman struggling to find meaning in his life. As Natasha becomes entangled with the charming but reckless Anatole Kuragin, her future and reputation are put at risk. Pierre’s intervention ultimately sets both characters on a path toward personal transformation.
Producer James Brownlee said he selected the musical because of both its literary roots and its distinctive score.
“It’s based on the greatest novel ever written and the music is so beautiful and unique, with styles ranging from Europop to Russian folk music,” he said. “People who love romantic historical TV shows like Downton Abbey will love the intrigue of the world of 1812 Russia. It’s a musical for anyone who has a love of music and a good story.”
The production stars Mia Currie as Natasha Rostova and Nickoli Wooten as Pierre Bezukhov, alongside Lucia Deuel as Helene Kuragin, Luke Neumann as Anatole Kuragin, Alanna Miller as Sonya Rostova, Elliot Hayes as Marya Dmitrievna, Damian Castillejo as Fyodor Dolokhov, Ari Deming as Princess Mary Bolkonsky, Tyler West as Andrei Bolkonsky/Old Prince Bolkonsky and Stella Towns as Balaga.
Additional cast members include Atlas Hein, Amber Lewis, Kaitlyn Reyna, Emely Paz, Stryker Kent, Maryn Milligan, Wyatt McElroy, Kaitlyn Tyler and Baylor Gilbreath as members of the Russian ensemble.
The production team includes Brownlee as producer and scenic designer; Currie as director, choreographer and costume designer; Rick Rainey as music director; Lee Rowland as assistant director; Joe Newsom as publicity coordinator and choreographer; Bailey Osterkamp as stage manager; Nickoli Wooten as music arranger and Meaghan Crocker as lighting designer.
A 15-minute intermission will separate Acts 1 and 2.
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