The Soundtrack

Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 is a musical adaptation of 70 pages of War and Peace created by Dave Malloy. It made its debut on Broadway in November 2016 and closed in September 2017. This was due to a lack of Tony awards being won (the majority of them going to Dear Evan Hansen instead) and a casting controversy that, although not invalid whatsoever, was not the fault of the cast and creators (who had worked to include diversity in their show). It was a devastating and unexpected closure, as the musical was a masterpiece of stage, music, and storytelling.

 Ever since I first listened to Great Comet, I have wondered what could have been. There were many amazing things about this show, from the music to the gorgeous stage design and brilliant actors, because no matter who was playing the characters, you could tell they had put their hearts and souls into doing so. It is genuinely the most beautiful musical I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. 

 Most of all though, it touched peoples' hearts despite its brief run on Broadway. Many could relate to Pierre, one of the main characters who struggled with mental health issues throughout the show, which was why much of the younger audience loved it so much. 

It’s hard to describe what Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 means to me in words, so, instead I quote the final song that is performed in the musical:

“It seems to me that this comet feels me. Feels my softened and uplifted soul and my newly melted heart now blossoming into a new life.”

 I know some people can relate and would do anything to see this show come back to Broadway, and it deserved so much better. But instead, on September 3rd, 2017, The Great Comet of 1812 blazed through the sky for the final time, with both the cast-most of whom had been there since the beginning and the audience holding back tears. 

But I still hope for its return, and I believe that if enough people band together to bring it back…

"This song's not over just yet!"