Dave Malloy to join The Great Comet as Groban extends

It has been announced that Dave Malloy, creator of the new musical Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, will make his Broadway performing debut in the show this spring, stepping into the role of 'Pierre' for 10 performances. Josh Groban, who currently plays the role, will extend his run with the show through July 2, 2017.

Malloy originated the role of 'Pierre' in the show's initial off-Broadway runs at Ars Nova and Kazino.

Malloy will perform the role of 'Pierre' at the following performances: Thursday, May 4 at 7pm; Friday, May 5 at 8pm; Saturday, May 6 at 2pm; Saturday, May 6 at 8pm; Sunday, May 7 at 3pm; Tuesday, May 9 at 7pm; Tuesday, May 16 at 7pm; Tuesday, June 13 at 7pm; Tuesday, June 20 at 7pm; and Tuesday, June 27 at 7pm.

The Broadway premiere of Dave Malloy's musical Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, directed by Rachel Chavkin, began previews at Broadway's Imperial Theatre tonight, before an official opening on 14 November.

Synopsis: "Based on a most scandalous chapter of Leo Tolstoy's Russian masterpiece 'War and Peace,' the musical tells the story of a young girl named Natasha, who is betrothed to Andrey, though he's off at war. In his absence, Natasha strikes up a relationship with the attractive Anatole, whose rebellious nature causes Andrey's best friend Pierre to be on alert to the budding romance. Dave Malloy's adaptation of this 70-page slice of 'War and Peace' puts audiences just inches away from Tolstoy's brash young lovers, as they light up Moscow in an epic tale of romance and passion."

The principal cast of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 includes three-time Grammy nominee and multi-platinum recording artist Josh Groban (Pierre) and Denée Benton (Natasha), both making their Broadway debuts, alongside Brittain Ashford (Sonya), Gelsey Bell (Princess Mary), Nicholas Belton (Bolkonsky/Andrey), Nick Choksi (Dolokhov), Amber Gray (Helene), Grace McLean (Marya D), Paul Pinto (Balaga), Lucas Steele (Anatole) and Scott Stangland (as the standby for the role of Pierre).

Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 is produced on Broadway by Howard & Janet Kagan and Paula Marie Black.

- by Tom Millward