Denee Benton Will Make Broadway Debut Opposite Josh Groban in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

Josh Groban has found his Natasha! Denée Benton will make her Broadway debut in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, reprising her performance from the American Repertory Theater’s 2015 production. As previously announced, the Main Stem bow is set for September at a theater to be announced and will also mark the Broadway debut for Groban, who takes on the role of Pierre.

Benton’s additional stage credits include The Book of Mormon in the West End and on tour, as well as regional productions of Annie, Sunset Boulevard and Fiddler on the Roof.

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 features a book and electropop score by Dave Malloy; this will mark his Broadway debut as well. Drawing inspiration from a 70-page portion of Leo Tolstoy’s Russian masterpiece War and Peace, it follows Natasha, a young girl who forms a relationship with the attractive rebel Anatole while her betrothed Andrey is off fighting. Andrey's best friend Pierre remains on high alert as the new romance blossoms.

Rachel Chavkin, who helmed the show off-Broadway and in Massachusetts, will return to direct. Additional casting will be announced later.