Best Audition Songs for Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812

For those auditioning for roles in the acclaimed musical “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” finding songs that resonate with the essence of the characters you’re aiming to play can be particularly challenging given the unique blend of classical literature and modern musical styles that the show represents. The following song suggestions for each character draw from a wide range of musicals and pop/rock music, chosen to align with the characters’ complexities, emotions, and the vocal demands of the roles.

Best Audition Songs for Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812

Pierre Bezukhov

1. “Why God Why?” from Miss Saigon – Captures Pierre’s existential questioning.
2. “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” from Les Misérables – Reflects Pierre’s introspection and sense of loss.
3. “Soliloquy” from Carousel – Matches Pierre’s deep self-reflection.
4. “Gethsemane” from Jesus Christ Superstar – Matches the intensity of Pierre’s personal agony.
5. “Nobody Needs to Know” from The Last Five Years – Reflects Pierre’s inner turmoil and guilt.
6. “Anthem” from Chess – Captures Pierre’s search for meaning and personal resolve.
7. “Let It Be” by The Beatles – A classic rock song that reflects Pierre’s longing for peace and understanding.

Natasha Rostova

1. “I Feel Pretty” from West Side Story – Captures Natasha’s innocence and excitement.
2. “In My Own Little Corner” from Cinderella – Reflects Natasha’s dreams and youthful optimism.
3. “Astonishing” from Little Women – Matches Natasha’s journey of self-discovery and growth.
4. “Hopelessly Devoted to You” from Grease – Reflects Natasha’s emotional investment and naivety in love.
5. “The Path of Thorns” by Sarah McLachlan – A pop song that reflects Natasha’s journey through hardship and realization.
6. “Before It’s Over” from Dogfight – Captures Natasha’s youthful hope and determination.
7. “Gravity” by Sara Bareilles – A song about being pulled in by someone’s influence, mirroring Natasha’s situation with Anatole.

Andrey Bolkonsky

1. “If I Can’t Love Her” from Beauty and the Beast – Reflects Andrey’s sense of isolation and longing.
2. “It All Fades Away” from The Bridges of Madison County – Captures Andrey’s deep emotional pain and love.
3. “Johanna (Reprise)” from Sweeney Todd – Reflects Andrey’s longing for his love.
4. “Shilo” from Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 – A deep, introspective song about loss and love.
5. “Say It to Me Now” from Once – Captures Andrey’s raw emotional state and longing.
6. “You’ll Be Back” from Hamilton – While more upbeat, it captures a sense of longing and assurance.
7. “The Scientist” by Coldplay – A modern song that reflects Andrey’s introspection and desire to return to a past state of love and understanding.

Anatole Kuragin

1. “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” by The Animals – Reflects Anatole’s charm and the potential for misunderstanding his intentions.
2. “Sexy” from Mean Girls – Captures Anatole’s confident and seductive nature.
3. “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” from Next to Normal – Reflects Anatole’s desire to be seen and loved, despite his flaws.
4. “I Believe in You” from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – Matches Anatole’s self-confidence and charm.
5. “Left Behind” from Spring Awakening – While it’s more melancholic, it could reflect the deeper, often hidden side of Anatole’s character.
6. “One Track Mind” from Sweet Smell of Success – Reflects Anatole’s focused pursuit of his desires.
7. “Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie – A classic rock song that captures Anatole’s rebellious and charming nature.

Hélène Bezukhova

1. “The Ladies Who Lunch” from Company – Reflects Hélène’s cynical view of society and her place within it.
2. “Last Midnight” from Into the Woods – Captures Hélène’s manipulative and somewhat villainous nature.
3. “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret – While it’s more hopeful, it can reflect Hélène’s search for satisfaction and love.
4. “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes – Matches Hélène’s materialistic and seductive traits.
5. “Killer Queen” by Queen – A rock song that captures Hélène’s commanding and confident personality.
6. “As Long As He Needs Me” from Oliver! – While traditionally a song of devotion, it could be twisted to reflect Hélène’s manipulative love.
7. “Fever” by Peggy Lee – A classic song that oozes the seductive and manipulative charm of Hélène.

Marya D

1. “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” from Gypsy – Reflects Marya D’s strong-willed and commanding personality.
2. “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music – Captures Marya D’s more reflective and melancholic moments.
3. “No Good Deed” from Wicked – Reflects Marya D’s frustration and the lengths she goes to for the ones she loves.
4. “I Know Where I’ve Been” from Hairspray – Captures Marya D’s wisdom and the struggles she’s endured.
5. “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin – A powerful rock song that could reflect Marya D’s passion and strength.
6. “Defying Gravity” from Wicked – While traditionally an anthem of independence, it can reflect Marya D’s strong character and determination.
7. “Somebody to Love” by Queen – Reflects Marya D’s desire for love and understanding, beneath her tough exterior.

Sonya

1. “On My Own” from Les Misérables – Captures Sonya’s loyalty and unrequited love aspects.
2. “You Must Love Me” from Evita – Reflects Sonya’s emotional plea for understanding and love.
3. “When He Sees Me” from Waitress – Captures Sonya’s hopes and fears about love.
4. “Reflection” from Mulan – Matches Sonya’s inner conflict and desire for acceptance.
5. “The Hill” from Once – A song that reflects Sonya’s quiet strength and support.
6. “A Case of You” by Joni Mitchell – A song about deep love and support, mirroring Sonya’s feelings.
7. “Brave” by Sara Bareilles – Encourages standing up for oneself and others, reflecting Sonya’s protective nature.

Continuing with the list of audition songs for the remaining characters from “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”:

Dolokhov

1. “Stars” from Les Misérables – Captures Dolokhov’s intensity and dedication, albeit in a more righteous context.
2. “Gaston” from Beauty and the Beast – Showcases bravado and masculine pride, akin to Dolokhov’s character.
3. “Confrontation” from Jekyll & Hyde – Reflects the inner conflict and aggression that could suit Dolokhov’s personality.
4. “American Idiot” by Green Day – A punk rock song that captures Dolokhov’s rebellious and aggressive nature.
5. “Hadestown” from Hadestown – Captures a deep, driving ambition and willingness to fight against the odds.
6. “The Room Where It Happens” from Hamilton – Reflects Dolokhov’s desire to be in the center of action and influence.
7. “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett – A rock song that embodies Dolokhov’s defiance and unapologetic nature.

Balaga

1. “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from Guys and Dolls – Captures Balaga’s joyful and carefree spirit.
2. “King of New York” from Newsies – Showcases a triumphant and charismatic character, much like Balaga.
3. “Raise a Little Hell” from Bonnie & Clyde – Reflects Balaga’s mischievous side and penchant for fun.
4. “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John – A pop/rock song that reflects resilience and joy, akin to Balaga’s character.
5. “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles – Captures the fun-loving, high-energy spirit of Balaga.
6. “Luck Be a Lady” from Guys and Dolls – While traditionally about gambling, it can reflect Balaga’s adventurous and risk-taking nature.
7. “Footloose” from Footloose – A song that celebrates freedom and joy, perfect for Balaga’s character.

Mary Bolkonskaya

1. “She Used to Be Mine” from Waitress – Captures Mary’s introspection and personal growth.
2. “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables – Reflects Mary’s sorrow and lost dreams, but with a sense of resilience.
3. “Burn” from Hamilton – Matches the depth of betrayal and pain that Mary could relate to, despite her stoic exterior.
4. “Memory” from Cats – Captures Mary’s sense of nostalgia and longing for a brighter past.
5. “Back to December” by Taylor Swift – A pop song that reflects introspection, regret, and longing for reconciliation.
6. “With You” from Ghost – Reflects Mary’s deep emotions and the pain of loss.
7. “Scarborough Fair” by Simon & Garfunkel – A folk song that encapsulates Mary’s longing and the beauty of simpler times.

Old Prince Bolkonsky

1. “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music – Captures the Old Prince’s nostalgia and love for his homeland, despite his harshness.
2. “Sunset Boulevard” from Sunset Boulevard – Reflects the Old Prince’s struggle with the past and his place in a changing world.
3. “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” from Godspell – While more uplifting, it can be interpreted to reflect the Old Prince’s authority and the respect he demands.
4. “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha – Reflects the Old Prince’s steadfastness and his own unreachable ideals.
5. “Father and Son” by Cat Stevens – A song about the generational divide and misunderstanding, relevant to the Old Prince’s relationship with his children.
6. “Ol’ Man River” from Show Boat – Reflects the Old Prince’s weariness and the depth of his life’s burdens.
7. “This Nearly Was Mine” from South Pacific – A song that captures the Old Prince’s reflections on what his life has been and what it could have been.

In conclusion, the art of selecting an audition song is akin to choosing the key to unlock a door; it’s about finding the right fit that not only showcases your vocal talent but also your capacity to delve into the character’s soul. The songs recommended for the characters of “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” are carefully chosen to help actors connect with the essence of their roles, demonstrating not just their musical abilities but their interpretative depth as well. From the introspective sorrow of Pierre Bezukhov to the naïve optimism of Natasha Rostova, each song serves as a pathway to exploring the intricate emotional landscapes of these characters. Remember, the goal is to leave a memorable impression, proving not only that you can sing, but that you can breathe life into the characters of this complex and beautiful musical.