Okieriete “Oak” Onaodowan to replace Josh Groban

It has been announced that Okieriete "Oak" Onaodowan will join the cast of new musical Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 in the role of 'Pierre' at the Imperial Theatre from 3 July 2017.

Onaodowan, best known for originating the roles of 'Hercules Mulligan' and 'James Madison' in Hamilton, will take over the role from Josh Groban who continues in the role until July 2, 2017. The show's creator Dave Malloy will make his Broadway performing debut in the show this spring, stepping into the role of 'Pierre' for 10 performances alongside Denée Benton as 'Natasha.'

Onaodowan's Broadway credits include Hamilton, Rocky, and Cyrano de Bergerac. Off-Broadway work includes Hamilton (The Public), Luce (LCT3), Neighbors (The Public), and Young Jean Lee's The Shipment.

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."

Onaodowan will join the principal cast which will also include: Denée Benton (Natasha), Brittain Ashford (Sonya), Gelsey Bell (Princess Mary), Nicholas Belton (Bolkonsky/Andrey), Nick Choksi (Dolokhov), Amber Gray (Helene), Grace McLean (Marya D), Paul Pinto (Balaga) and Lucas Steele (Anatole).

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