Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

So sad this is closing Sunday. PHENOMENAL. Hope it returns soon!
The venue should be used… and often.

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is not just a show you watch, its a interactive experience. I came here with my Elite Wifey for our Birthday in 2013. The show takes place around you, behind you, in front of you and even on your table.
As you watch the performers you can choose to eat and drink Russian authentic food in small square tables positioned in a huge room. We were lucky enough to be placed in the middle of the action where the actors would use us as human props and even had us interact in the show. Make sure to read the synopsis in order to understand the different Acts.
I though the show itself was Amazing and would come back to see the show again if still in Broadway.
A must see Broadway show and experience.

I would give it 3.5 stars for the overall performance. Actors, 4.5 stars. Stage sets 3 stars. Play, 3 stars. Engagement 3.5 stars. The performers are very skillful and some have great talents and potential. The stage loops around the audience and sometimes happen in tween the audience seating area. But it does not allow the audience to freely engage or roam around like in Sleep no more which is a much more engaging immersive experience. The great master piece is poorly adapted. Though some of the musical fragments are catchy. It is still too mainstream and lacks originality.

Excellent show. Saw it w my son came back a week later with my wife. Anyone else want company?

PROS:
A very interesting experience which is great especially if you have relatives/​friends visiting and you want to do something a little different from a normal Broadway show
The talent was really solid with great live music, choreography, etc. and the writing keeps the plot very interesting and moving along
CONS:
Space — do NOT go here if you are a large person. My husband and I are normal size and we were totally squeezed in. Then 2 very large people sat next to us and it was just SO crammed, they are trying to make as much money per show and you can totally feel it.
Food — pretty generic, but ok. We thought it was enough for a meal, but other folks were complaining they were still hungry. I am a veggie so I asked for an alternative meal. They literally brought me a plate of lettuce with some cheese. I was shocked a chef would let that be served, but I realize I am going «off menu».
Drinks — good, but expensive, however that is typical for any show
TIPS:
(1) We went on Sunday and got discount tickets which I highly recommend, it’s definitely not worth the full price tag
(2) Get there early — there is no assigned seating and we almost had to sit with a group of six people at a table (i.e. random people). Thank God we got there early enough to squeeze into a table for two before they were all gone. I just don’t want to go to the theater to «make friends»
(3) Remember it’s very tight seating, so just keep that in mind to avoid being disappointed
OVERALL: Great for out-​of-​towners, but a harder sell to the sophisticated NYer who enjoys theater — but everyone should go once. I am glad I went, but would not go for a second time. Don’t go if you are a larger person and be prepared to have very limited choices if you have any dietary restrictions.

In sptie of the best efforts of a spectacularly talented cast of actors and musicians (hence, the two stars), nothing could resurrect the lack lustre music and plot of this exceedingly boring, contrived and simple-​minded production that started off with such promise and then never went anywhere.
The novelty of being in the midst of the action wore off quickly as we craned out necks to and fro and moved about in our seats to keep track of the performers.
The mixture of period costumes juxtaposed with the oft times scantily clad, freakish constumes of the ensemble players was an obnoxious attept to titalate the audience and added nothing to the plot development.
The stobe light effect of the drinking segment with cast members lurching and gyrating in our faces was a techno-​pop derivative that appeared out of nowhere and vanished just as quickly, leaving us bewildered as to what just happened.
Occasionally, the lyrics were pithy and illicited a laugh or two, but for the most part, the «recitativo» of the Rock Opera was downright mundane.
The drinks were ridiculously overpriced and the food was just so-​so AND overpriced.
We had «premium» seating on wooden café chairs that were incredibly uncomfortable.
This was truly an «Emperor’s New Clothes» production for which i believe the producers’ strategy is to get the audience drunk enough on overpriced drinks so that they won’t notice the untuneful music and insipid plot.

I think the shows is great for offering a different kind of musical performance than a traditional stage performance. With that said, the story line was average and the lyrics a bit forced (note: it was translated into english). However the individual performances of each cast member was inspiring except the person who sang Sonya’s part, Brittain Ashford. Her voice was great but not a good fit for this title.
The food is really pricey but could be justified if you go as a group of 4 or 6. Drink before or be subject to 5 star hotel drink prices.
For $ 100 its a good time, but not exceptional theater.

Amazing theater experience! I didn’t order anything to drink or eat, so I can’t comment on the food. The staging, music, acting, singing, lighting, story combined to make this one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.

I want my posterity to know that I went to this play and that makes me unequivocally cooler than they will ever be. This rock musical masterpiece is so cool that I really do think it wears off on the individuals and leaves a lasting impression on each person.
Everything about this show is impressive from the amazing location and greatest pimped out tent complete with fancy port-​a-​potties to the fun finger foods offered to each guest.
The show completely immerses the audience as the characters, lighting and music swirl around each one of us. I was dazzled from the opening number till the last note was played. Even a few weeks later I have not forgotten this show and it is far better than anything else I have seen on Broadway lately.
For anyone who wants to see something unique and beautiful you will find it here in 1812 along with Natasha and Pierre.

Saw this show on a Wednesday night and got rush tickets which ended up setting us back about $ 50 each — pretty good considering the full price of tickets. Had heard great things about it but came in not knowing what to expect.
Décor: the set is really unique and makes you feel like you’re in the hip bar to be the yin to the Russian Tea Room’s yang. Historical period prints adorn the red curtain walls. Waitresses greet you upon arrival and seat you in tables either on the «bar floor» between two bar areas or near the elevated corners where the musicians play. Musicians were scattered in three of the four corners, (oboe/​English horn in one, clarinet/​bass clarinet in another, and a string quartet in the third) with the rhythm section behind the main bar at the center of the room.
The food: the ticket comes with a small plate of veggies, one potato pirogue per person and some black bread balls with butter. The food is tasty but you will either have to eat before or after or order from the expensive a la carte menu if you are actually hungry.
The show: the show is certainly an experience. Where the storyline runs thin and maintains predictability (it’s war and peace after all…) the acting, singing (save for one or two strangely cast individuals) and music along with the good blocking within such a confined space kept the show afloat. Special mention to the redheaded, bearded man who played Pierre who was not only enjoyable to watch and listen and acted superbly but is also a talented musician (played accordion and piano effortlessly). Also, to the girl who played the daughter whose acting and singing turned a somewhat insignificant part into a very memorable one.
Because the show is through-​composed (no straight dialogue, all singing), keeping the musical lines interesting throughout was a challenge, and not surprisingly the actual songs are much stronger as a whole than the sung dialogue. Having live musicians at the show enhances the experience greatly. The opening numbers of both acts were the strongest and most humorous, and took the characters out of the context of the show to explain either the characters or cultural aspects of living in Russia in 1812 (namely writing letters). But there were a lot of great solo and ensemble numbers as well.
Overall: ⁴⁄₅ stars. They try a little too hard to make it interactive when in reality it doesn’t have to be, although sometimes it can be fun (actors sitting right with you or having you do something in the show). But for the most part you are craning your neck in 360 degrees trying not to miss any of the action around you. For as banal as the plot line is, the cast and musicians do a great job of bringing it to life. ⁴⁄₅ stars.

It was a good show and interesting setup.

This is a great show. You are in a cabaret setting with the show all around you. The music is powerful, the story is, well, Broadway or opera simplistic. The talent was great. We really enjoyed the experience.

Good show, not so good experience. Bad, sparse food. Uncomfortable seats.
Do NOT pay full price under any circumstance.
Saw this recently at their latest location in the broadway theatre district. It could be called immersive as the audience is technically in the middle of the action. Passing a letter through the audience is as interactive as it got. But really it’s just a performance with a non-​traditional set-​up. It had that steampunk-​techno-​rock-​broadway-​opera mix that’s all the rage these days. The show itself was actually quite good, with good actors, interesting décor and music. But the entire experience was uncomfortable and lessened the experience.
It’s basically a tent set up to look like a Russian supperclub with the show enacted around the tables. I purchased a premium ticket with a discount code found online but upon arrival was downgraded to the lowest level and made to sit on a stool at the bar, cramped behind packed tables, so it was near impossible to get in and out. The performers kept moving around the room but there wasn’t enough room to turn and follow the action, being wedged into the small allotted space.
The food consisted of a dish of stale looking pickles and 2 cold, fried pierogis that were as hard as rocks. I believe that had I actually been seated in the premium section I would have also received some bread and butter along with an actual seat and not just a stool to sit on. There was water available if able to flag down a waiter. Vodka could be also be ordered, again, from that elusive waiter.
They mention at the beginning of the show that the characters and their relationships are illustrated in the program. But of course there was no program at my seat.
Staff went around distributing these white shaker balls during intermission. Did I get one? Surprise, surprise, No.
Despite the odd set-​up, there is no guidance given as to what to expect. Not when you order tickets, not after arrival and not at anytime during the show. Just some vague mention of there being less food served than during previous incarnations of the show. Well, I didn’t see the show before and had I been given enough information would have thought twice about seeing it now.
There are discount offers all over the internet so there’s no reason anyone need pay full price for the show. And I would just get the lowest price seats as they seem to just put people anywhere anyway.
To give this experience one star would be over generous. Such a shame they just can’t quite get it all together. Because the performances were actually quite good and a solid 4 stars, the average comes out to 2 stars.

Loved the venue of this show, with the performers RIGHT THERE as if they’re in your living room. Nice music, plot had its funny times and serious times. The ending was a bit of a fizzle but the rest was so good I’m giving it 5 stars and would recommend it highly.

Saw this last night, great show! Don’t know that the premium seats were much better than regular seats. Because we were 2, seated us with another couple which was super fun, but good to know ahead of time. The show itself is fantastic!

We had a wonderful experience seeing this show. The complimentary food was pretty decent, but it wasn’t great. If, however, we wanted more (and better) food, we could have ordered from the menu, but it was fairly expensive. The drinks were nice, but small. The service was great. Our waitress gave us individual attention and gave us all the ins and outs of how the show worked: ie, how long it was, when to expect food, when to use those shaking sound things during the show.
As for the music, it was really well done. The vocalists were all over the place though. Some were EXCELLENT and well trained, while some struggled to stay on pitch and had zero breath control. But, overall the performance was very touching. The costumes were amazing! The design was 19^th century with a modern flair.

great show! i loved every bit of it. Very entertaining and funny. I only gave it 4 stars because the food was not so good. But if you like shows that are different, this is it. it combines classical and modern music, it is beautifully done. it is very crowded as it is always sold out. If you were to go and you can afford it, buy the most expensive ticket. You will be seated where you can see everything without having to turn your head. the whole room has stages all over, this means the actors move around a lot, it’s almost as if you are in a live movie (similar to the show sleep no more). it definitely is a must see show if you visit NYC, also hurry before they close (although i don’t know if they will since it is so popular, it may keep on extending!).

First and foremost, the play was great — I’d definitely give it 5 stars. Having said that, the total experience was less than stellar. First of all, the website and tickets say the play starts at 8, but when we arrived 10 minutes before 8, the entire place was full and it was clear that people were already eating and drinking. Second, when you buy your tickets, find out where you’ll be sitting. We were the 9^th and 10^th persons at a table (allegedly) for 10. Our table mates (who appeared to be all related to each other) had been there for some time and had taken over the entire table. When they grudgingly moved aside to make room for us, all of the plates and silverware had been used, and the few appetizers that were included in the price of the ticket were gone. Also, the two seats they left us were on a bench attached to the stage, and the table (bolted to the floor) was about 18 inches from our knees, which made eating and drinking challenging at best. Finally, although it’s advertised as a «dinner show» there’s very little food, and it’s served during intermission, which is okay if you’re used to eating a light dinner at 9:30 PM. What food there is served «family style» which in our case meant the family with whom we shared the table took care of themselves and there was little left for us. I know this is a comment on them and not the show, but I include it to emphasize the importance of taking care not to put yourself in that situation if you decide to attend this or any other «dinner» show.

This is an amazing musical! You’ll laugh, cry, stomp your feet, etc. You have to see this show.

An all around amazing show! I was seriously impressed on every possible level. I hope people don’t miss out on this performance. Sunday matinees have discounted seats (79 instead of 125) and the ticket price includes an assortment of food. DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS SUPERB PERFORMANCE FROM A STELLAR STAFF!