The Great Comet Returns

Cygnet Theatre is bringing back Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 for one night only on Monday, October 12, at The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center in Liberty Station. This isn't a full production, but a staged concert reading featuring the original Cygnet cast. The show is written by Dave Malloy, who handled the book, lyrics, and music, and it's adapted from Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace. Katie Banville directed the original run, and she's back for this one too.

If the title sounds familiar, it's because this version of the show has a bit of a history here. Cygnet's production took home eight Craig Noel Awards, including Outstanding Resident Musical and the Audience Choice Award. This reunion brings back the original cast members to run through the material together one more time, so if you saw it when it first premiered, you'll be seeing a lot of the same faces on stage.

The evening is built around more than just the reading. There's an imperial feast donated by Solare Restaurant, a complimentary cocktail at the Moscow Salon, and a silent auction with opportunity drawing packages. Cygnet Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and they've recently moved into their new home at The Joan in Liberty Station, so this is one of the first times you'll see them performing in the new space.

It's a full evening: the reception starts at 6 PM, and the performance follows at 7:30 PM. The venue is The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center, 2880 Roosevelt Rd., Liberty Station, San Diego, CA 92106.