What happens when a Broadway electropop opera meets Newport’s most iconic mansion? You get Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, an immersive theater experience unlike anything Salve Regina University has staged before.
From November 5-9, guests are invited to step inside Ochre Court for a cabaret-style production that transforms the Gilded Age landmark into a Russian nightclub alive with drama, music, and romance. Based on a slice of Tolstoy’s War and Peace, the show follows Natasha, a young woman caught in a love triangle, and Pierre, a wealthy man searching for meaning in his life.
First performed on Broadway in 2016 and nominated for 12 Tony Awards, the show’s electrifying mix of pop, folk, and classical sounds redefined what musical theater could be. Written by Dave Malloy and originally starring Josh Groban, The Great Comet continues to captivate audiences for its inventive storytelling and immersive design.
At Salve, the magic unfolds under the direction of theater arts assistant professor Dr. Tara Brooke Watkins. “All architectural elements of the space will be used as set pieces,” says Watkins, hinting that Ochre Court itself becomes part of the performance. The production stars Grace Gallagher as Natasha and Robert Campion as Pierre, with assistant production director Anna Annese helping to bring the ambitious vision to life.
Audience members will find themselves woven into the story, seated at intimate tables surrounded by live music and energy. Once cabaret seating fills up, guests can still take in the spectacle from the mansion’s sweeping second-floor balcony. “The experience promises to be fun and chaotic from any angle,” Watkins adds. Performances run Wednesday through Sunday, November 5-9, from 7:30-10pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit events.salve.edu.
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