Okieriete Onaodowan Pushes Back Arrival in The Great Comet; Creator Dave Malloy Steps In

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 composer Dave Malloy will play the role of Pierre in the Broadway production July 3 through 9—the week after Josh Groban takes his final bow. Okieriete “Oak” Onaodowan, who was initially set to succeed Groban at the Imperial Theatre July 3, will now take over over the part beginning July 11.

Malloy, who earned Tony Award nominations for the show's book, score, and orchestrations, has been playing Pierre at select performances since May. Though the role marks his Broadway debut, it's not his first time in the part; Malloy originated the role of Pierre in the The Great Comet’s initial Off-Broadway runs at Ars Nova and Kazino.

Onaodowan, who is best known for originating the roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in Hamilton, tweeted that the show needed another week to prepare for his arrival. Representatives for The Great Comet did not respond to Playbill's request for comment at the time of publication.

Also joining the show July 3 is Ingrid Michaelson. The multi-platinum singer-songwriter makes her Broadway debut in the role of Sonya, stepping in temporarily for original cast member Brittain Ashford.

Read: INGRID MICHAELSON WILL MAKE BROADWAY DEBUT IN THE GREAT COMET

Onaodowan’s Broadway credits also include Rocky and Cyrano de Bergerac. His Off-Broadway work includes Hamilton (The Public), Luce (LCT3), Neighbors (The Public), and Young Jean Lee’s The Shipment.

Created by Malloy and directed by Rachel Chavkin, The Great Comet opened at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre November 14, 2016. The production received the most Tony Award nominations of the season, including a Best Performance nod to Groban, who originated the part of Pierre on Broadway. The show won for scenic and lighting design.

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