A review by margueritestjust
Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 O/P by Denée Benton, Sonny Paladino, Diane Paulus, Josh Groban, Oskar Eustis, Paloma Young, Bradley King, Sam Pinkleton, Steven Suskin, Nicholas Pope, Or Matias, Phillipa Soo, Howard Kagan, Jason Eagan, Lucas Steele, Rachel Chavkin, Mimi Lien, Dave Malloy

emotional hopeful informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Part behind-the-scenes essays and interviews and part annotated script, this is such a delight to any fan of the musical to have.  From learning about the genesis of the show from Dave Malloy's night in Russia that led to the central concept of the show (in the round, with instruments being played near you, black bread, vodka) to essays from several cast and crew and production members, watching each step along the way and each contribution to this show, which remains suis generis.

Many of the annotations in the script can be found on Genius.com already, so if you have already read those through you will have a good idea of what to expect, but the script (along with the rest of this tome) also offers wonderful illustrations and photographs that accompany the text.  This is a gorgeous book and I intend to treasure my copy for years to come.