The sad death of the best show on Broadway

Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 was too beautiful for this world

Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812.
(Image credit: Facebook/The Great Comet)

Who killed Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812?

It is a sad, short controversy, one that tarnishes the sparkle of the brightest light on Broadway in recent memory. Unfortunately, it is also the story of the brutal reality of Broadway — with the departure of actors/musicians Josh Groban and Ingrid Michaelson earlier this year, the musical nominated for 12 Tonys was without a celebrity anchor. Sales nosedived. In an attempt to right the sinking ship, a decision was made to replace Okieriete Onaodowan in the lead role of Pierre with the flashier name of Mandy Patinkin. But replacing a black actor with a white one, all in the name of profit, immediately drew deserved fury from fans.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.