Dave Malloy here presents the stunning twenty-two chapter selection from Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace that formed the basis of his hit Broadway sensation, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812—called “the most innovative and the best new musical since Hamilton” by the New York Times.
While Prince Andrei Bolkonsky is kept at the front during Napoleon’s invasion in 1812, his betrothed, a young Natasha, catches the attention of Moscow society’s notorious playboy—the dashing, rogue Anatole. It falls to Prince Andrei’s friend, the wealthy, slothful, philosophizing aristocrat Pierre to rescue Natasha’s reputation and make amends between her and Andrei.
Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) was born in central Russia. After serving in the Crimean War, he retired to his estate and devoted himself to writing, farming, and raising his large family. His novels and outspoken social polemics brought him world fame.
