If you are looking for something ‘out of this world’ to do this weekend, you might want to head on to Cygnet Theatre in Old Town and settle in for the show(and I mean ‘show’) of a lifetime. It has been extended to continue through May 26th.
“Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812” by Dave Malloy is adapted from a short slice of life in a chapter from “War And Peace” by Leo Tolstoy. It is a musical adaptation, (Electro Pop Opera) and is sung throughout by the entire cast who are enormously talented and led by Patrick Marion’s musical geniuses. Sean Murray directs with precision, Katie Banville’s choreography ranges from waltz to Troika to Russian Kazotsky. Luke H. Jacobs does it best.
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| Luke H. Jacobs (center) |
In their quest for the meaning of life, all the characters in ‘Comet’ are looking for love in all the wrong places: Natasha (Selena Ceja) can’t wait for her betrothed Andrey (Brian Mackey), to return from the war, so she hooks up with the rascal Anatole (Michael Louis Cusimano).
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| Kürt Norby |
Pierre (Kürt Norby), is wealthy but unhappy in love and life. His reaction to the comet is very different from all the other’s. He is inspired by it as opposed to being afraid of it.
His rogue wife is Helene (Jasmine January) Anatole’s sister ‘ who is up to no good and there is Sonya (Megan Carmitchel) Natasha’s bestie whose mission is to keep Natasha safe especially from Anatole.
The play opens in 1850 at a ball in St. Petersburg. It is here we meet Pierre who has his story to tell when not drinking. Soon after back to Moscow so that Natasha can meet Andrey’s family, which by the way, did not go very well. Here in the home of Márya Dmítrievna, (Linda Libby) is where all the intrigue, mystery, merriment, chicanery takes place.
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| Brian Mackey and Selena Ceja |
One thing we can count on is the meticulous direction coming from Sean Murray with assistance from Sandy Campbell. With all the moveable parts on Mathys Herbert’s intricate set (and that includes running through the audience and house) ‘Comet’ is as immersive as it is quick witted and unexpectedly and deeply personal especially for Pierre (Norby) who is excellent at trying to right the wrongs in his life. No one can fault him for not having a powerful set of vocal chords either.
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| Megan Carmitchel and Selena Ceja |
Selena Ceja’s Natasha is both beautiful and vulnerable as the innocent young girl never suspecting Anatole to be anything but smitten in love. Cusimano, dashing, deceiving and devilish who almost makes it to the finish line with Natasha but for the quick witted Sonya. Ceja has an operatic voice that soars above the rest with Carmitchel coming in second. But it’s not even fair to compare. Both are excellently talented.
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| Michael Louis Cusimano |
Did I mention that everyone in the cast has strong and powerful and beautiful voices and… play several instruments through-out. Marion’s seven piece band and an assortment of instruments never overtake the soloists.
Amanda Zieve’s lighting design dazzles, Shirley Johnson’s period costumes are stunning and fitting, but the enchanting masks in a scene from the opera, blew my mind. Peter Herman’s wigs and makeup are picture perfect. Last but not least Matt Lescault-Woods sound design (as I mentioned above) never over powers the voices.
For over two hours, we the audience are treated to one of best shows playing now in San Diego. You won’t want to miss “ Natasha, Pierre And the Great Comet of 1812”.
See you at the theatre.
Through May 26th
Where: Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town San Diego
Tickets: $44 and up
Phone: (619) 337-1525
Photo: Karli Cadel
Online: cygnettheatre.com
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