Not one production has quite captivated the imaginations of those in Stanislaus State’s Department of Theatre like that of "Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812."
For over a year, students and faculty alike have considered tackling the critically acclaimed Broadway production and bringing it to Stan State’s Mainstage Theatre. After two months of rehearsals, that dream will soon become a reality, with the production set to open on Wednesday, Dec. 3, and run for four more performances through Sunday, Dec. 7.
The story follows the life of young and impulsive Natasha Rostova, who arrives in Moscow to await the return of her fiancé from the front lines. When she falls under the spell of the roguish Anatole Kuragin, it is up to Pierre Bezukhov, a family friend in the middle of an existential crisis, to pick up the pieces of her shattered reputation.
The musical, written and composed by Dave Malloy, is based on 70 pages of Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace," and has just one line of dialogue. It is similar to an opera in the fact that there is singing from beginning to end.
Department of Theatre Chair Carin Heidelbach views the production as a learning experience for everyone involved.
“We’ve done our regular musicals, those with dialogue, and they all have their challenges, but a production that is completely sung through is a challenge unlike anything we’ve ever taken on,” Heidelbach said.
Ava McCullough, who plays the role of Hélène Kuragina Bezukhov, is excited for audiences to experience the production.
“The opportunity to see a show that is fully sung through is very rare, especially in this area,” said McCullough. “You're going to be entertained no matter what. There are so many beautiful voices and so much amazing choreography. It's just so perfect.”
Following a premiere in New York City, a subsequent off-Broadway transfer and an acclaimed run on Broadway, the production has become a favorite amongst performing arts students on campus.
“We’ve been talking about this since last spring,” said McCullough. “I remember we were preparing for another show and people were playing the songs during our dress rehearsals... To see everyone performing the songs on stage, to be with my friends either performing or helping the crew, it has just been so cool to see come to fruition.”
The Stan State theatre department’s production of "Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812" features a cast of 22 students and a 10-person orchestra made up of students, alumni and local professionals.
“I've never been a part of a production where the cast and the crew have had so much love and determination to tell this story,” said Luis Flores, who plays the role of Pierre Bezukhov. “Being able to collaborate with everybody on that level has been really nice. I think the story itself is such a beautiful one to tell. It's definitely been one of the most story-driven pieces I've ever been a part of, and especially one to be in a leading role, it means a lot to me.”
Nate Whitehead will be doubling as an on-stage actor and as a member of the orchestra, while also being a swing understudy for the very first time.
“For this show, I have worn a lot of different hats that I’ve never put on before,” said Whitehead. “Being a swing understudy means that I learn as many parts in the show as possible in case an actor gets sick or isn't there for a rehearsal or even a performance. Doing that and being a part of the orchestra is something I'm going to try and pursue more in the future.”
Many cast members, including McCullough, will take on the roles of multiple characters, offering another hands-on learning experience.
“This show has made me challenge my abilities by going back and forth between two characters and having to convey that to the audience, making it clear and showing my intentions as I switch from an ensemble and a principal role.”
Flores shared similar sentiments. “Doing the show has helped improve my own craft in many ways. A lot of adaptability is learned, especially doing a show that is extremely hands-on like this between the audience and cast.”
The audience will be immersed in the action on stage, which is diamond-shaped with an extension into the seating areas.
“The audience is on all sides of the stage, even some on stage,” Heidelbach said. “The cast will be interacting with folks throughout, which is a really fun concept.”
The production includes heavy lighting, strobe effects and loud sound levels to create a vibe that Heidelbach describes as “techno-pop.”
“Audiences should expect a party,” Whitehead said. “We're going to have a blast, you're going to cry, and then you're going to have a blast again and then cry again.”
McCullough will carry some extra emotion with her throughout the production, as it is expected to be her last performance as a student at Stanislaus State following four years of involvement in the theatre program.
“Just being able to see my growth over the last four years and the friendships I've made, it's really special to me,” she said. “I've grown as a performer and I'm ending my journey in the theater department with so many friends that I didn't have when I started. It means a lot.”
