In a theater turned Russian Supper Club, The Great Comet of 1812 is a new "whiplash inducing" Broadway musical that I rate as a must see. Based on a portion of Leo Tolstoy's novel War and Peace, the opening number quickly catches you up on the posse of characters - the old, the young, the lame, the slut. Thanks!
While the pop opera adaptation to the Russian novel was incredibly engaging, the lush set design brought the experience to a pinnacle. We had the ABSOLUTE best seats in the entire house- sitting at a table on the stage, surrounded by winding wooden paths though the orchestra sections. Not only can you see every pore & sweat bead on the performer's face as they are singing inches away from you, but also tiny details of the elaborate costumes that ranged from 19th century Russian aristocratic militia to gypsy club chic.
I will leave the rest to be discovered but if you are making the effort to go, you MUST splurge for the table or stadium seats onstage. Anywhere else will leave you with serious FOMO.
Raise a glass to life, to lust, to 19th century Moscow.
The below video features the performance when it was originally set in a tent - now seen at The Imperial Theater, Times Square
Experienced 12.6.17