Ashley Day and Grace Mouat, photo supplied by the production
The Shanghai production of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 will return to the Shanghai Grand Theatre from 15 to 24 May 2026 in a new concert staging.
Created by Dave Malloy and adapted from a section of War and Peace, the musical premiered at Ars Nova in New York before transferring to Broadway in 2016. The show received 12 Tony Award nominations and won awards for scenic and lighting design, later receiving six Olivier Award nominations for its UK premiere.
The Shanghai production was first seen in 2024 in a fully staged English-language run produced by Shanghai Grand Theatre’s Creative Center, West Bund Grand Theatre and Changyang Culture.
The full set design, photo supplied by the production
The concert edition restores the song “The Private and Intimate Life of the House”, which had previously been cut from the 2024 production. Stage design is by Wang Shiqing, incorporating a new “comet trajectory” visual concept and multimedia elements, while retaining sequences including “The Ball” and Balaga’s scenes.
The creative team includes associate director Liu Yang, music consultant Fiz Shapur, music supervisor Zhao Jiyun, music director Matthew Liu, and choreographers Tang Jie and Song Mingming.
The full set design, photo supplied by the production
Returning cast members include Cooper Grodin as Pierre Bezukhov, Bex Odorisio as Hélène, Kaye Tuckerman as Marya D and Damon J Gillespie as Balaga. Joining them are Grace Mouat as Natasha Rostova and Ashley Day as Anatole.
The Chinese company includes Chen Yuting and Guo Yaorong sharing the role of Sonya, Su Jiangtao as Andrey and Old Prince Bolkonsky, Li Zemei as Mary and Zhai Lishuotian as Dolokhov.
Alongside the production, Shanghai Grand Theatre will host a series of talks, workshops and partnership events with cultural organisations and universities across the city.
Performances will be in English with Chinese subtitles.