Beethoven, As I Knew Him

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE has announced that pianist and actor Hershey Felder will present his musical masterpiece as he portrays Monsieur Chopin in CHOPIN IN PARIS.

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley will stage the Bay Area Premiere of Hershey Felder’s musical play Hershey Felder: Chopin in Paris. Felder returns to the TheatreWorks stage August 19 – September 11 as brilliant Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin, illuminating an exclusive piano lesson with this musical master.

San Diego Repertory Theatre (San Diego REP) announced today the return of San Diego's beloved artist, Hershey Felder for a strictly limited engagement celebrating one of the world's greatest composers in Hershey Felder as Monsieur Chopin. Originally created in 2006, followed by a sold-out national tour, this intimate theatrical event returns to San Diego in a newly updated production featuring the romantic story and music of the Polish pianist-composer, Fryderyk Chopin. Directed by Joel Zwick, performances of Hershey Felder as Monsieur Chopin run September 13 - 29, 2019, in the Lyceum Space Theatre. Monsieur Chopin begins previews on September 13, with press opening on Saturday, September 14, 2019, at 8:00 p.m.

Debussy (1862-1918) is still known best as well as a seminal force in the music of the early 20th Century having developed a highly original system of harmony and musical structure that expressed in many respects the ideals to which the Impressionist painters and writers of his time aspired. Felder truly takes his audience on a journey through his own early walks down the streets of the composer's life in Paris. Thus, we are treated to the personal observations of both men who describe the City of Light's wondrously romantic settings from The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame and its Point Zero, to a walk through The Tuileries Garden, down the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triumph, and on to the composer's home near the Bois de Boulogne.

San Diego Repertory Theatre (San Diego REP) announced today that its all time box office record has been broken by its current production of Hershey Felder, Beethoven. The award-winning piano virtuoso had previously shattered box office records at San Diego REP with his 2017 production of Our Great Tchaikovsky. Felder has consistently broken records throughout his career and now Hershey Felder, Beethoven is the highest overall grossing show in San Diego REP history.

San Diego Repertory Theatre (San Diego REP) has announced the return of San Diego's beloved artist, Hershey Felder with his latest smash hit celebrating the world's greatest composer, Beethoven. Following his triumphs as Piotr Tchaikovsky and Irving Berlin in 2017-2018, the brilliant Hershey Felder will bring Ludwig van Beethoven to life through the eyes of a Viennese doctor who spent his boyhood by the Maestro's side in Beethoven. Directed by Joel Zwick, performances of Hershey Felder, Beethoven run February 21 - March 24, 2019, at the Lyceum Stage Theatre. Tickets start at $25 and are currently on sale to the general public. Beethoven previews on February 21, with press opening today, February 22 at 8:00 p.m.

San Diego Repertory Theatre (San Diego REP) has announced the return of San Diego's beloved artist, Hershey Felder with his latest smash hit celebrating the world's greatest composer, Beethoven. Following his triumphs as Piotr Tchaikovsky and Irving Berlin in 2017-2018, the brilliant Hershey Felder will bring Ludwig van Beethoven to life through the eyes of a Viennese doctor who spent his boyhood by the Maestro's side in Beethoven. Directed by Joel Zwick, performances of Hershey Felder, Beethoven run February 21 - March 24, 2019, at the Lyceum Stage Theatre. Tickets start at $25 and are currently on sale to the general public. Beethoven previews on February 21, with press opening on Friday, February 22 at 8:00 p.m.

San Diego Repertory Theatre (San Diego REP) has announced the return of San Diego's beloved artist, Hershey Felder with his latest smash hit celebrating the world's greatest composer, Beethoven. Following his triumphs as Piotr Tchaikovsky and Irving Berlin in 2017-2018, the brilliant Hershey Felder will bring Ludwig van Beethoven to life through the eyes of a Viennese doctor who spent his boyhood by the Maestro's side in Beethoven. Directed by Joel Zwick, performances of Hershey Felder, Beethoven run February 21 - March 24, 2019, at the Lyceum Stage Theatre. Tickets start at $25 and are currently on sale to the general public. Beethoven previews on February 21, with press opening on Friday, February 22 at 8:00 p.m.

Westport Country Playhouse presents the acclaimed musical memoir, "The Pianist of Willesden Lane," from December 6 through December 22.  The production returns to the Playhouse by popular demand after a sold-out run in April 2017. 

Westport Country Playhouse will present the acclaimed musical memoir, "The Pianist of Willesden Lane," from December 5 through December 22.  The production returns to the Playhouse by popular demand after a sold-out run in April 2017. 

Hershey Felder returns to the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Artswith Beethoven, directed by Joel Zwick, from July 27 to August 12, 2018. This new production is based on the original Aus dem Schwarzspanierhausby Dr. Gerhard von Breuning with text by Felder and features some of Beethoven's greatest compositions from his keyboard works such as the "Emperor Concerto" to the 5thand 9thSymphonies, his keyboard sonatas, and chamber music. The Samantha F. Voxakis, Karen Racanelli and Erik Carstensen production is an extraordinary one-man musical play that brings the composer to life as it dramatizes the true story of a Viennese doctor who spent his boyhood by the Maestro's side as the son of Beethoven's best friend.

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE is thrilled to present a very special event production in association with Hershey Felder Presents, HERSHEY FELDER, BEETHOVEN, book by Hershey Felder, the music of Ludwig van Beethoven and directed by Joel Zwick. Executive Director Ellen Richard comments, "We are thrilled to be bringing Hershey Felder as Beethoven to the Playhouse for this very special two week engagement. Our audiences are going to be enraptured by this wildly acclaimed production." Adds Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham, "We are fortunate to have such a wonderful working relationship with the genius that is Hershey Felder and are delighted to have him performing once again on our stage with the music of Beethoven!" HERSHEY FELDER, BEETHOVEN will open on Wednesday, May 16 and performs through Sunday, May 27, 2018 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Drive in Laguna Beach.

Westport Country Playhouse will present a spring production of the acclaimed musical memoir, "The Pianist of Willesden Lane," starring Grammy-nominated pianist and storyteller Mona Golabek.

59E59 Theaters welcomes Hershey Felder as Leonard Bernstein in Maestro for a limited engagement tonight, August 31, through Sunday, October 16 with Press Opening on Sunday, September 11 at 3 PM.

A friendly reminder! 59E59  Theaters welcomes  Hershey Felder as Leonard Bernstein in Maestro for a limited engagement Wednesday August 31 through Sunday, October 16 with Press Opening on Sunday, September 11 at 3 PM. MAESTRO, book by Hershey Felder with music by Leonard Bernstein and others, and directed by Joel Zwick is produced by The Town Hall with Samantha F. Voxakis and Karen Racanelli.

Hershey Felder channels the great composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein in Maestro, a new play with music written and performed by award-winning actor and musician Hershey Felder, and directed by Joel Zwick at 59E59 Theaters (Elysabeth Kleinhans, Artistic Director; Peter Tear, Executive Producer; Brian Beirne, Managing Director). Maestro plays August 31 - October 16. The show opens Sunday, September 11 at 3PM.

?Cock Tales: Shame on Me! From award-winning solo artist and writer of the internationally acclaimed Jamaica Farewell, comes Debra Ehrhardt's new play, Cock Tales: Shame on Me!  The 80-minute show is based on true stories of up close and personal encounters with those very complicated members of the opposite sex. Ms Ehrhardt's colorful history of a lifetime of encounters with a world full of testosterone-fueled gentlemen--and not-so-gentle-men-has given her plenty of "source material" from which to create a memorable evening of theater.  From her early years as a young girl raised in a religious family, through her sexual awakening as a young adult, she takes us on a bumpy ride over a funny, sexy and emotionally rocky road.

San Diego audience favorite Hershey Felder ("George Gershwin Alone," "Monsieur Chopin," "Beethoven," "Liszt," "An American Story," "Irving Berlin") returns to San Diego Repertory Theatre in a pre-New York engagement of "Hershey Felder as Leonard Bernstein in MAESTRO." Fresh from a sold out run of "Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin" at the La Jolla Playhouse, Felder will now perform this signature work about America's finest conductor and composer, Leonard Bernstein, which had its premiere in 2011 at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre. Directed by Joel Zwick, "MAESTRO" plays a limited engagement from Wednesday, July 6 to Sunday, July 17, 2016. Details for the New York presentation will be announced in April.

Theatre enthusiasts packed the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts tonight to hear Founding Artistic Director Robert Kelley and Managing Director Phil Santora of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley unveil the line-up for the company's 47th season.

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley announces a special one-night-only presentation of Hershey Felder's Great American Songbook Sing-Along. Known for his musical character creations Hershey Felder will lead audiences through 100 years of American music from George and Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, through Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and many more. Hershey Felder's Great American Songbook Sing-along will be performed at 7pm, Monday, February 15 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View For tickets ($50) and information the public may visit www.TheatreWorks.org or call (650) 463-1960.

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley kicks off the New Year with the regional premiere of Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin, a brand new work by acclaimed performer/playwright/director Hershey Felder. The inspiring story of "America's Composer" Irving Berlin takes center stage in this tour-de-force performance by virtuoso Hershey Felder, internationally acclaimed for bringing to life such composers as Gershwin, Beethoven, Chopin, and Bernstein. Fleeing the anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia, capturing the rhythms of the Lower East Side, and eventually enchanting the entire world, Berlin epitomized the American dream. Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin will be directed by Trevor Hay with performances January 13 - February 14, 2016 (press opening: January 16) at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View. For tickets ($35 -$100) and information the public may visit www.TheatreWorks.org or call (650) 463-1960.

Continuing to bring original musical stories and new productions to beloved Chicago audiences, 'Hershey Felder Presents' (George Gershwin Alone, Maestro Bernstein, The Pianist of Willesden Lane, Louis and Keely 'Live' at the Sahara) now brings BARITONES UNBOUND, a new play with music and baritone superstars to the Royal George Theatre as part of a continuing season of new productions. Performances begin at the Royal George, 1641 N. Halsted Street, today, December 11th, 2015 and continue through Sunday, January 3rd, 2016 with a press opening on Sunday, December 13th at 3:00 p.m. A special New Year's Eve performance includes a champagne and dessert reception with the artists.

Continuing to bring original musical stories and new productions to beloved Chicago audiences, 'Hershey Felder Presents' (George Gershwin Alone, Maestro Bernstein, The Pianist of Willesden Lane, Louis and Keely 'Live' at the Sahara) now brings BARITONES UNBOUND, a new play with music and baritone superstars to the Royal George Theatre as part of a continuing season of new productions. Performances begin at the Royal George, 1641 N. Halsted Street, on Friday, December 11th, 2015 and continue through Sunday, January 3rd, 2016 with a press opening on Sunday, December 13th at 3:00 p.m. A special New Year's Eve performance includes a champagne and dessert reception with the artists.

Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin will now begin performances tonight October 30th, 2015 in Felder's Chicago theatrical home, the Royal George Theatre , 1641 N. Halsted Street, Chicago

Quintessential American songwriter Irving Berlin left an indelible mark on the classic American songbook with hits like 'White Christmas,' 'Puttin' on the Ritz,' 'There's No Business Like Show Business' and, of course, 'God Bless America.' Arizona Theatre Company brings Berlin's story to vibrant, toe-tapping life in Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin, tonight, Oct. 8, through Oct. 25 at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe in Phoenix.

Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin will now begin performances on Friday October 30th, 2015 in Felder's Chicago theatrical home, the Royal George Theatre , 1641 N. Halsted Street, Chicago. Having broken all box office records in its World Premiere at Los Angeles' Geffen Playhouse, Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin makes its Midwest Premiere in a strictly limited pre-NYC and continuing National Tour engagement. The British import I FOUND MY HORN was originally scheduled for this presentation slot.  However, due to scheduling issues across the pond, I FOUND MY HORN will now appear in the spring slot at the Royal George Theatre.

You are never truly alone, not when you are in the company of a song, the great American songbook composer and lyricist reminds the opening night's audience of Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin at the Temple of Music and Art in downtown Tucson. It is a statement that rings true throughout the evening as patrons find themselves coming together to hum and sing along to Berlin's classics, when invited -- and spontaneously, as well.

Quintessential American songwriter Irving Berlin left an indelible mark on the classic American songbook with hits like 'White Christmas,' 'Puttin' on the Ritz,' 'There's No Business Like Show Business' and, of course, 'God Bless America.' Arizona Theatre Company brings Berlin's story to vibrant, toe-tapping life in Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin, Oct. 8-25 at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe in Phoenix.

Continuing to bring exciting stories and new productions to beloved Chicago audiences, 'Hershey Felder Presents' (George Gershwin Alone, Maestro Bernstein, The Pianist of Willesden Lane, Louis and Keely 'Live' at the Sahara) now brings a brand new production of the award-winning and internationally acclaimed play JAMAICA FAREWELL, written and performed by Debra Ehrhardt and directed by Joel Zwick, to Chicago's Royal George Theatre. Based on her true life story, writer-performer Ehrhardt's JAMAICA FAREWELL chronicles her escape from revolution-torn Jamaica in the 1970's to fulfill her lifelong dream of coming to America. Performances began at Chicago's Royal George Theatre 1641 North Halsted, 60614, on September 8 and continue through Sunday October 11th in a strictly limited engagement. Scroll down for photos from the opening night festivities!

Continuing to bring exciting stories and new productions to beloved Chicago audiences, 'Hershey Felder Presents' (George Gershwin Alone, Maestro Bernstein, The Pianist of Willesden Lane, Louis and Keely 'Live' at the Sahara) now brings a brand new production of the award-winning and internationally acclaimed play JAMAICA FAREWELL, written and performed by Debra Ehrhardt and directed by Joel Zwick, to Chicago's Royal George Theatre. Based on her true life story, writer-performer Ehrhardt's JAMAICA FAREWELL chronicles her escape from revolution-torn Jamaica in the 1970's to fulfill her lifelong dream of coming to America. Performances began at Chicago's Royal George Theatre 1641 North Halsted, 60614, last night September 8, and continue through Sunday October 11th in a strictly limited engagement. BroadwayWorld has a first look at Ehrhardt onstage below!

Quintessential American songwriter Irving Berlin left an indelible mark on the classic American songbook with hits like 'White Christmas,' 'Puttin' on the Ritz,' 'There's No Business Like Show Business' and, of course, 'God Bless America.' Arizona Theatre Company brings Berlin's story to vibrant, toe-tapping life in the 2015-16 season-opening production of Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin, Sept. 16-Oct. 4 at the Temple of Music and Art, 333 S. Scott Ave. in Tucson.

Having broken Geffen Playhouse season production box office records, Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin will return to the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse for two weeks only (tonight, August 4-16, 2015) following its other pre-booked engagements.

Having broken Geffen Playhouse season production box office records, Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin returns to the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse for two weeks only, August 4-16, 2015.  The director is Trevor Hay, who collaborated with the performer and creator on An American Story, Abe Lincoln's Piano, Hershey Felder as Franz Liszt and The Pianist of Willesden Lane.

Continuing to bring exciting stories and new productions to beloved Chicago audiences, 'Hershey Felder Presents' (George Gershwin Alone, Maestro Bernstein, The Pianist of Willesden Lane, Louis and Keely 'Live' at the Sahara) now brings a brand new production of the award-winning and internationally acclaimed play JAMAICA FAREWELL, written and performed by Debra Ehrhardt and directed by Joel Zwick, to Chicago's Royal George Theatre. Based on her true life story, writer-performer Ehrhardt's JAMAICA FAREWELL chronicles her escape from revolution-torn Jamaica in the 1970's to fulfill her lifelong dream of coming to America. Performances begin at Chicago's Royal George Theatre 1641 North Halsted, 60614, on Tuesday September 8, and continue through Sunday October 11th in a strictly limited engagement. All tickets are $50 for all performances.

GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE, a solo one-act play with music, focuses on the life of George Gershwin. Along with providing a taste of Gershwin's arresting personality, the piece features several of the composer's most popular songs.

The irresistible music of America's favorite composer comes alive, along with insights into his brief and brilliant life, in this remarkable play-with-music by internationally acclaimed actor, playwright, and Steinway concert artist Hershey Felder. George Gershwin Alone is a delightful, touching and captivating evening of sheer joy. Brimming with irresistible music, the award-winning show includes songs by the creator of An American in Paris including 'Someone to Watch Over Me,' 'I Got Rhythm' and, of course, 'Rhapsody in Blue.' 

The irresistible music of America's favorite composer comes alive, along with insights into his brief and brilliant life, in this remarkable play-with-music by internationally acclaimed actor, playwright, and Steinway concert artist Hershey Felder. George Gershwin Alone is a delightful, touching and captivating evening of sheer joy. Brimming with irresistible music, the award-winning show includes songs by the creator of An American in Paris including 'Someone to Watch Over Me,' 'I Got Rhythm' and, of course, 'Rhapsody in Blue.' 

The irresistible music of America's favorite composer comes alive, along with insights into his brief and brilliant life, in this remarkable play-with-music by internationally acclaimed actor, playwright, and Steinway concert artist Hershey Felder. George Gershwin Alone is a delightful, touching and captivating evening of sheer joy. Brimming with irresistible music, the award-winning show includes songs by the creator of An American in Paris including "Someone to Watch Over Me," "I Got Rhythm" and, of course, "Rhapsody in Blue." 

The Chicago stage premiere of Academy Award winning director Taylor Hackford's LOUIS & KEELY 'LIVE' AT THE SAHARA has been extended by popular demand through Sunday, May 17 at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 North Halsted Street. Hackford, best known for his films An Officer and a Gentleman, Against All Odds, The Devil's Advocate,.

Continuing in a tradition of storytelling and music, Hershey Felder announces the star cast for the Chicago stage premiere of Academy Award winning director Taylor Hackford's LOUIS AND KEELY, 'LIVE' AT THE SAHARA.

Hartford Stage presents The Pianist of Willesden Lane, starring piano virtuoso Mona Golabek, who performs some of the world's most beautiful music as she shares her own mother's riveting story of survival, from tonight, March 26 to April 26.

Hartford Stage presents The Pianist of Willesden Lane, starring piano virtuoso Mona Golabek, who performs some of the world's most beautiful music as she shares her own mother's riveting story of survival, from March 26 to April 26.

It is the intent of theater to educate and entertain, and, in the case of some special offerings, enrapture. Such a piece of theater is THE PIANIST OF WILLESDEN LANE, now on stage at Cleveland Play House.

Serrano NY, LLC is thrilled to present the World Premiere of SERRANO THE MUSICAL, book and lyrics by Madeline Sunshine, music by Robert Tepper, musical direction by Jeff Rizzo (Sunset Blvd. The Wizard of Oz), choreography by Peggy Hickey (A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder) and directed by Tony nominee Joel Zwick (Dance With Me, 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'). SERRANO THE MUSICAL will begin previews on Thursday, January 8, 2015 and will open tonight, January 16 at 8pm and run through Sunday, March 29 at the Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood.

Continuing in a tradition of storytelling and music, Hershey Felder announces the star cast for the Chicago stage premiere of Academy Award winning director Taylor Hackford's LOUIS AND KEELY, 'LIVE' AT THE SAHARA.

Having broken Geffen Playhouse season production box office records, Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin will return to the Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse for two weeks only (August 4-16, 2015) following its other pre-booked engagements.

Serrano NY, LLC is thrilled to present the World Premiere of SERRANO THE MUSICAL, book and lyrics by Madeline Sunshine, music by Robert Tepper, musical direction by Jeff Rizzo (Sunset Blvd. The Wizard of Oz), choreography by Tony nominee Peggy Hickey (A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder) and directed by Tony nominee Joel Zwick (Dance With Me, 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding').

The Laguna Playhouse Executive and Artistic Directors, Karen Wood and Ann E. Wareham are thrilled to present the Orange County premiere of HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN, written and performed by Hershey Felder and directed by Trevor Hay.

Berkeley Repertory Theatre has announced that its critically lauded presentation of The Pianist of Willesden Lane, starring acclaimed pianist Mona Golabek, will return in February for a limited engagement. After a record-breaking run last fall and a triumphant New York premiere, Golabek is back with the true story of her mother, Lisa Jura, a young Jewish musician whose dreams are interrupted by the Nazi regime.