Benton's casting was announced to the crowd at the Jan. 22-24 BroadwayCon in New York City. The event was co-presented by Playbill.
Phillipa Soo, who is currently starring in Broadway's Hamilton, originated the role of Natasha Off-Broadway and her performance is captured on the original cast album.
As previously reported, the cast will be headed by Grammy nominee Josh Groban, also making his Broadway debut as Pierre.
Created by Dave Malloy and directed by Rachel Chavkin, additional casting, design team, ticket information and theatre will be announced at a later date. Casting is by Stewart/Whitley.
Benton graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2014 and has appeared as Nabulungi in The Book of Mormon in the West End and its U.S. national tour. Her regional credits include Annie, Sunset Boulevard and Fiddler on the Roof at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.
The Great Comet, which was previously seen Off-Broadway, is billed as a "theatrical experience like no other. Malloy’s inspired adaptation of a 70-page slice of 'War and Peace' puts audiences just inches away from Tolstoy’s brash young lovers, as they light up Moscow in an epic tale of romance and passion."
The recent ART staging expanded the show’s signature intimate staging to a traditional proscenium-style theatre.
The musical will be produced on Broadway by Howard & Janet Kagan and Paula Marie Black.
For more information visit Greatcometof1812.com.
