GREEN BAY, Wis. – In a historic first for the state, Green Bay East High School’s Fine Arts Institute brought the daring musical Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 to the stage. The production, based on a slim 70‑page excerpt of Leo Tolstoy’s epic War and Peace, gave more than 50 students a chance to stretch their artistic muscles and engage with the novel’s darker themes.
Students take on challenging roles
Senior Astrou Gartzke, who portrays Pierre, said the cast felt fortunate to introduce a show that is “a little more niche.” No other high school in Wisconsin has attempted the piece before. Senior stage manager Claire Petersen recalled explaining the title to her family, noting their surprise at a 17‑year‑old tackling such a monumental work.
Junior Lorelei Mariucci, cast as the titular Natasha, described the production as a “crazy, wild, techno‑opera” filled with chandeliers and striking visual elements. The plot follows 19‑year‑old Natasha as she navigates love, engagement, and scandal, while Pierre steps in to protect her family and seek his own redemption.
Director emphasizes growth and depth
Director Lindsay Tippins highlighted how the musical pushes students beyond the familiar fare of past shows like The Lightning Thief, The Little Mermaid and Matilda. “It has a lot of darker themes about a woman’s reputation in the 1800s,” Tippins explained. “It was a cool challenge for the kids, and they became deeply invested not only in the music but also in the original novel’s resolution.”
For Mariucci, the role demanded more than surface‑level performance. “On paper, a character like mine might look very shallow. I left my fiancé and I’m having an affair,” she said. “But there’s so much more to discover through acting, singing, and research.”
Intensive preparation pays off
Students dove into research to bring authenticity to their roles. Gartzke meticulously dissected every lyric, shaping his portrayal of Pierre. He recalled a pivotal duel scene: “When Dolokov says ‘my turn,’ I repeat ‘my turn’—it’s my time, I’ve accepted my fate, I’m ready to go.”
According to Tippins, the hard work culminated in a performance that resonated with both the school community and local audiences. “Doing a show that’s so dramatic confirmed that this group of kids could handle it,” she said.
Showtimes and tickets
The musical opened last weekend and will run two more times. Tickets are available online for $10, with a discounted $7 price for students. Performances are scheduled for Friday night at 7 p.m. and Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.
Green Bay East’s ambitious venture showcases the talent and dedication of its students while offering the community a unique cultural experience rarely seen in Wisconsin high schools.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
