Public performances will be held March 5, 6, 7, 27 and 28, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 and 29, 2026, at 2 p.m. All performances will take place in Strayer-Wood Theatre on the University of Northern Iowa campus. 

From the celebrated and award-winning composer Dave Malloy comes “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” an electropop opera based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace.”

Assistant Professor of Theatre Katherine Hahn will direct the musical, with musical direction by Assistant Professor of Music Erik Rhode, vocal direction by Assistant Adjunct Professor of Voice Kathryn Saulsbury, choreography by student Charleston Kay, scenic and props design by student Eric Chen, costume design by guest artist Emily Ganfield, lighting design by guest artist and TheatreUNI alum Mandy Heath, sound design by student Caleb Swinney, and stage management by student Brandy Burge.

Tickets are $28 and can be purchased through unitix.uni.edu or at the UNItix counter in the Gallagher-Bluedorn, or at the Strayer-Wood box office the week of the show. 

This performance contains gun shots, alcohol, and adult themes, including references to violence, addiction, mental illness, self-harm, and a suicide attempt; depictions of racism and xenophobia, and a derogatory term for Romani people is used.

For more information, call the Department of Theatre box office at 319-273-6386 or visit TheatreUNI’s website.

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