Shanghai recently marked a cultural milestone on Nov 22 as the international production of the acclaimed Broadway musical Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 graced the stage for the first time at the MGM Shanghai West Bund Hotel. The press conference, themed "Reviving the Flower Goddess", offered a tantalizing preview of the immersive musical experience that awaits audiences.

Proceedings get underway in the conference hall. [Photo/WeChat account: yanyidashijie]

The ensemble cast treated attendees to live renditions of key tracks, transporting them to the opulence of an 1812 Moscow ball. The event also unveiled the visually stunning "planets and orbits" concept, where characters became celestial bodies, promising a fresh, sensational experience for theatergoers.

Notable creatives, including lyricist Dave Malloy and director Chloe Treat, shared their insights via video messages. The production, a collaboration between the Shanghai Grand Theatre and Broadway talents, is set to premiere at the Nine Trees Future Art Center from Dec 29 to Jan 1, followed by an official debut at the New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center from Jan 13 to March 3, with all 51 shows performed entirely in English.

Adapted from Tolstoy's War and Peace, the musical reimagines a segment from the second volume, featuring Natasha, Pierre and Anatole as central characters. Praised as "Broadway's most innovative musical since Hamilton", it received 12 Tony Award nominations in 2017.

Directors Chloe Treat and Zhou Xiaowei expressed their anticipation for the Chinese audience's connection with the story's complexity and human emotions. The 28-member cast faces the challenge of seamlessly performing the musical's eclectic mix of Russian folk, electronic and classical music.

Highlights of the event included captivating live performances by Naomi Diana as Natasha, Bex Odorisio as Helene and Cooper Grodin as Pierre. Set designer Pilyoung Oh presents a revolutionary scenic design, transforming the theatre into an immersive space. Visual artist Ye Zile showcases unique costume designs, infusing avant-garde space-inspired graphics into the visual elements of the musical.

The entire cast showcased the opening number "Prologue" from the musical at the press conference. [Photo/WeChat account: yanyidashijie]

During its Shanghai run, "The Great Comet" will collaborate with the MGM Shanghai West Bund Hotel, offering themed rooms, tea breaks and music aesthetic classes. The musical will also partner with Tencent's mobile game "Light and Night," aiming to attract diverse audiences.

Performance Information

Preview shows

Dates: Dec 29, 2023 - Jan 1, 2024

Venue: The Nine Trees Future Art Center

Address: No 99 Shuhuan Road, Fengxian district, Shanghai

Formal shows

Dates: Jan 13 - March 3

Venue: Bocom New Bund 31 Performing Arts Centre

Address: No 777 West Gaoqing Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Source: "yanyidashijie" WeChat account