JCTheatre set for ‘Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812’
MADISON – Intrigue and romance will abound during “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812,” the 2025 Spring Musical by James Clemens Theatre.
Award-winning composer Dave Malloy authored the electropop opera based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace.” Recipient of 12 Tony nominations, ‘Comet’ guides the audience from seedy Moscow nightclubs to Russian high society.
Young and impulsive, Natasha Rostova arrives in Moscow to await the return of her fiancee from the war’s front lines. Natasha falls under the spell of the roguish Anatole, and family friend Pierre must restore her shattered reputation.
Patel saw ‘Great Comet’ on Broadway in 2017. “I was just taken away by it. I left thinking, ‘That wasn’t just a show. That was an experience.’” “It was just an amazing show. It was nominated for ‘Best Musical’ at the Tonys that year, and people to this day are still enraged that it didn’t win,” Patel said.
“It’s music that you might listen to and think, ‘Ummm. What’s happening here?’ But then you see it, and it all makes sense and captures what’s happening onstage,” Patel said.
JCTheatre has strong actors, singers and a large technical theatre program. “We always look for shows that will challenge students onstage and backstage. This show certainly does,” Patel said about choosing the musical.
James Clemens students are facing their most difficult music, along with building the largest-ever set. They constructed the stage into the audience and placed two satellite stages in the house. Actors and musicians move throughout the crowd.
“The reason I want everyone to see the show is that I don’t want them to live the rest of their life hearing, ‘Oh, you should have seen it!’” Patel said.
JCTheatre Music Directors, Technical Director and Patel are excited to present a show new to the region. “Especially since it’s my last show. I’m retiring in May. Since rights were released, a few colleges have performed it, but I think we’re the first Alabama high school,” Patel said.
Actress Daisy Batchelor said, “’Comet’ is a wonderful, beautiful show. It holds a special place in my heart because it’s my first show at James Clemens. Everyone has worked so hard and is so kind, welcoming and talented.” “Mrs. Patel and everyone directing truly have done a fantastic job. Everyone involved has put in only their best effort. The show is just wonderful. We hope you’ll come see it,” Batchelor said.
Apollo Smith, who portrays Prince Andrey, said ‘Comet’ is “important. It highlights the importance of morality and complexity in our lives in a very interesting way . . . even giving us a chance to see how people back in 1812 would have acted, while also displaying how similar to our modern world. This show handles the question, ‘What should I do with my life?,’ in a very interesting way and gives struggles to different characters.”
‘Comet’ has influenced actress Alexis Conner since fifth grade and greatly impacted her life. “The story of romance and intrigue always excited me. I found the story so interesting because at certain points you get mad with the protagonist! The music is so interesting by combining techno and classical; lyrics are pure poetry. Hope everyone’s ready to wake up.”
For actress Ella Gibbons, ‘Comet’ stands as a highly intricate production. “I’m somebody with a short attention span; sometimes, watching theatre just isn’t fun for me, but this show had me constantly mesmerized with what was happening on stage. The whole show is an eclectic non-stop party . . . filled with juicy drama of love, betrayal and suspense. The meaningful ending perfectly wraps it all up; it’s a must-see show. It changed my brain molecules.”
The staff includes Patel as Director; Music Director Harris Gessner; Assistant Music Director Newt Johnson; Technical Director Bryan Comer; Student Director Qyler Bowie; and Assistant Student Directors Leah Hardy and Claire Landers.
Show times are April 10 and 11 at 7 p.m.; April 12 at 2 and 7 p.m.; April 17 and 18 at 7 p.m.; and April 19 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults; military personnel and senior citizens, $15; and students, $12.
For more information, visit jctheatre. org or Facebook/James Clemens Theatre.
