PROLOGUE
Moscow, 1812, just before Napoleon’s invasion of Russia and the burning of the city. As the story begins (“Prologue”) we meet “Pierre,” a wealthy aristocrat having an existential crisis, living a slothful life of wine, philosophy, and inaction.
PART I
Meanwhile, the young, newly engaged Natasha Rostova and her cousin Sonya arrive in “Moscow” to stay the winter with Marya D., Natasha’s godmother, while Natasha waits for her fiancé, Andrey, to return from the war. Marya D. tells Natasha that she must visit her future in-laws, the demented, miserly old Prince Bolkonsky and his spinster daughter, Mary (“The Private and Intimate Life of the House”), to win their affection and secure the marriage, which is critical to the Rostovs’ status and fortune. However, Natasha’s visit ends in disaster (“Natasha & Bolkonskys”), and she leaves missing Andrey more than ever (“No One Else”).
PART II
The next night, Natasha is introduced to decadent Moscow society at “The Opera”; there she meets Anatole, a young officer and notorious rogue (“Natasha & Anatole”); their interaction leaves Natasha feeling confused.
PART III
Anatole, his friend Dolokhov, and Pierre go out drinking; they are met by Hélène, (Pierre’s wife and Anatole’s sister), who taunts Pierre. Anatole declares his intention to have Natasha, although he is already married. Pierre finds his wife’s familiarity with Dolokhov offensive and challenges him to a duel, almost getting himself killed (“The Duel”). Afterward, Pierre reflects on his life (“Dust and Ashes”). Natasha and her family go to church (“Sunday Morning”); later, Hélène arrives and invites Natasha to the ball that night (“Charming”), where Anatole seduces Natasha (“The Ball”).
INTERMISSION
PART IV
Natasha and Anatole make plans to elope, and Natasha breaks off her engagement with Andrey (“Letters”). Sonya finds out about the plan and realizes it will mean Natasha’s ruin (“Sonya & Natasha”); she determines to stop her at any cost (“Sonya Alone”). That evening Anatole and Dolokhov plan for the elopement (“Preparations”) and call on their trusted troika driver, “Balaga,” to take them to Natasha’s house. However, “The Abduction” is thwarted at the last moment by Marya D.
PART V
After scolding a grief-stricken Natasha (“In My House”), Marya D. sends out “A Call to Pierre,” asking him to help handle the crisis. Pierre kicks Anatole out of Moscow (“Find Anatole” / “Pierre & Anatole”); Natasha poisons herself (“Natasha Very Ill”); Andrey returns. Pierre explains the scandal to him and asks him to be compassionate, but Andrey is unable to forgive (“Pierre & Andrey”). Finally, Pierre visits Natasha (“Pierre & Natasha”). After their meeting, Pierre experiences a moment of enlightenment while seeing “The Great Comet of 1812” in the night sky.
There's a war going on out there somewhere, and ANDREY isn't here.
(Range: Baritone, F2-Eb3)
NATASHA is young; she loves Andrey with all her heart.
(Range: Soprano, G3-F5)
SONYA is good; Natasha's cousin and closest friend.
(Range: Mezzo-Soprano, B3-C5)
MARYA is oldschool; a grande dame of Moscow. Natasha's Godmother, strict yet kind.
(Range: Alto, G3-B4)
ANATOLE is hot; he spends his money on women and wine.
(Range: Tenor, B2-C#5)
HÉLÈNE is a slut; Anatole's sister, married to Pierre.
(Range: Alto, G3-F5)
DOLOKHOV is fierce (but not too important). Anatole's friend, a crazy good shot.
(Range: Baritone, E3-F4)
OLD PRINCE BOLKONSKY is crazy, and MARY is plain; Andrey's family - totally messed up.
(BOLKONSKY Range: Baritone, Ab3-F4) (MARY Range: Mezzo-Soprano, G3-B4)
BALAGA is just for fun.
(Range: Baritone, A2-E4)
And what about PIERRE? Dear, bewildered, and awkward PIERRE?
(Range: Bari-Tenor, Ab2-Ab4)
ENSEMBLE/VARIOUS OTHERS (2F 2M +)
In the original production, actors played many of the instruments. While this is not mandatory, an Instrument Breakdown Guide is included in the rental package.
BOLKONSKY and ANDREY are double-cast.