PROLOGUE
Moscow, 1812, just before Napoleon’s
invasion of Russia and the burning of the city. As the story begins
(“Prologue”) we meet “Pierre,” a wealthy aristocrat having an
existential crisis, living a slothful life of wine, philosophy, and
inaction.
PART I
Meanwhile, the young, newly
engaged Natasha Rostova and her cousin Sonya arrive in “Moscow” to stay
the winter with Marya D., Natasha’s godmother, while Natasha waits for
her fiancé, Andrey, to return from the war. Marya D. tells Natasha that
she must visit her future in-laws, the demented, miserly old Prince
Bolkonsky and his spinster daughter, Mary (“The Private and Intimate
Life of the House”), to win their affection and secure the marriage,
which is critical to the Rostovs’ status and fortune. However, Natasha’s
visit ends in disaster (“Natasha & Bolkonskys”), and she leaves
missing Andrey more than ever (“No One Else”).
PART II
The
next night, Natasha is introduced to decadent Moscow society at “The
Opera”; there she meets Anatole, a young officer and notorious rogue
(“Natasha & Anatole”); their interaction leaves Natasha feeling
confused.
PART III
Anatole, his friend
Dolokhov, and Pierre go out drinking; they are met by Hélène, (Pierre’s
wife and Anatole’s sister), who taunts Pierre. Anatole declares his
intention to have Natasha, although he is already married. Pierre finds
his wife’s familiarity with Dolokhov offensive and challenges him to a
duel, almost getting himself killed (“The Duel”). Afterward, Pierre
reflects on his life (“Dust and Ashes”). Natasha and her family go to
church (“Sunday Morning”); later, Hélène arrives and invites Natasha to
the ball that night (“Charming”), where Anatole seduces Natasha (“The
Ball”).
INTERMISSION
PART IV
Natasha
and Anatole make plans to elope, and Natasha breaks off her engagement
with Andrey (“Letters”). Sonya finds out about the plan and realizes it
will mean Natasha’s ruin (“Sonya & Natasha”); she determines to stop
her at any cost (“Sonya Alone”). That evening Anatole and Dolokhov plan
for the elopement (“Preparations”) and call on their trusted troika
driver, “Balaga,” to take them to Natasha’s house. However, “The
Abduction” is thwarted at the last moment by Marya D.
PART V
After
scolding a grief-stricken Natasha (“In My House”), Marya D. sends out
“A Call to Pierre,” asking him to help handle the crisis. Pierre kicks
Anatole out of Moscow (“Find Anatole” / “Pierre & Anatole”); Natasha
poisons herself (“Natasha Very Ill”); Andrey returns. Pierre explains
the scandal to him and asks him to be compassionate, but Andrey is
unable to forgive (“Pierre & Andrey”). Finally, Pierre visits
Natasha (“Pierre & Natasha”). After their meeting, Pierre
experiences a moment of enlightenment while seeing “The Great Comet of
1812” in the night sky.