The Wallis to Present Hershey Felder as Leonard Bernstein in MAESTRO, 8/10-28

The extraordinary performing artist Hershey Felder will make his debut at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts with his critically-acclaimed production of Hershey Felder as Leonard Bernstein in MAESTRO for a special Los Angeles engagement from August 10 - 28, 2016. Directed by Joel Zwick, MAESTRO features only 22 performances prior to transferring to New York in fall of 2016. MAESTRO bows at The Wallis on August 10 with a special Opening Night Celebration. Single tickets and subscription series are now available for purchase.

Leonard Bernstein was a conductor, pianist, author, educator, librettist, television star, and the composer of symphonies, iconic film scores and the American musical classics West Side Story, Candide, On the Town and Wonderful Town, among others. He pushed boundaries to become the world's first serious musical media superstar and changed the face of music. In his inimitable style, Hershey Felder brings Bernstein to life through first-person narratives combined with the compositions of Bernstein, Beethoven, Mahler, Wagner, Copeland, and more. The audience is drawn deeply into this maestro's fascinating life, one filled with tragedy, triumph, and extraordinary music.

"Hershey has the unique ability to fully transform himself into his portrayals of great musical icons," said Paul Crewes, the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts' new Artistic Director who takes the reins full time in April 2016. "We are excited to welcome Hershey to The Wallis and give audiences the chance to see this truly captivating performance one final time before its opening in New York."

"Every serious musician in America owes a great debt to Leonard Bernstein," said Felder. "Besides being a maker of music and musicians, Leonard Bernstein also became the musical ambassador of the world with his affable musical manner, love of teaching and learning, photogenic countenance and the newly minted television broadcasting him into homes around the globe. Bringing this character to life based on personal time spent with many people who knew him well, including members of his family, and the study of his music and musical style has been an honor, a joy, and a truly incredible journey. Being able to bring him to life at the beautiful acoustically brilliant Wallis, in the city where I began these theatrical portrayals, is really a dream come true."

Leonard Bernstein's only son, Alexander, says of Felder: "His performance truly reveals the man, the story and the music of my father, Leonard Bernstein."

Additionally, Felder invites audiences to join him on Monday, August 22 at 8pm for a special one-night-only performance of Hershey Felder's The Great American Songbook Sing-Along, taking audiences through 100 years of American music from the Gershwins, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and many more. Audiences are encouraged to sing along with Felder as he leads them through the familiar notes of their favorite songs. Sing-Along tickets range from $20-$50.

Single tickets for Hershey Felder as Leonard Bernstein in MAESTRO are now available for $25 - $85, or three-show subscriptions including The Revisionist and The City of Conversation begin at $104. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit TheWallis.org, call 310.746.4000, or stop by in person at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Ticket Services located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Ticket prices subject to change.

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