Felder Completes Composer Trilogy with 'Beethoven' at Geffen

On the heels of the acclaimed productions of George Gershwin Alone and Monsieur Chopin, the Geffen Playhouse announces the highly anticipated culmination of Hershey Felder's Composer Trilogy, Beethoven, As I Knew Him, to kick off the theater's 2008-09 season.  In Beethoven, As I Knew Him, award winning performer Hershey Felder brings the character of Ludwig van Beethoven to life through the eyes of Beethoven's last surviving friend, as well as through the eternal sounds of the maestro's greatest musical works. Based on a true story, Beethoven, As I Knew Him completes Hershey Felder's musical trilogy entitled The Composer Sonata.

Felder, now world-famous for his lauded portrayals of George Gershwin, Fryderyk Chopin and Beethoven, returns to the Geffen after his nearly sold-out run of George Gershwin Alone and Monsieur Chopin last summer.  The productions received twelve LA Ovation Award nominations and won four awards, including Best Musical and Best Lead Actor in a Musical.  The Geffen Playhouse also welcomes back award winning director Joel Zwick (My Big Fat Greek Wedding).

Beethoven, As I Knew Him features music by Beethoven with text by Felder. The creative team includes Francois-Pierre Couture (sets), Richard Norwood (lighting), Erik Carstensen (sound).

Previews are August 19-26; officially opening August 27 with performances through October 12, 2008. Show times are Tuesdays-Thursdays at 7:30PM; Fridays at 8PM; Saturdays at 4PM & 8:30PM; and Sundays at 2PM & 7PM.

Season subscriptions and pricing available online at www.geffenplayhouse.com or via phone at 310-209-1328.  Single tickets for Beethoven, As I Knew Him available for purchase May 1, 2008 online at www.geffenplayhouse.com, Geffen Playhouse Box Office 310-208-5454 or Ticketmaster 213-365-3500.