BWW Interview: Hershey Felder of NICHOLAS, ANNA & SERGEI at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Offers a Moving Portrait of Rachmaninoff in His Latest Virtual World Premiere
Have you heard the one about Rachmaninoff and Anastasia? Well, Hershey Felder has quite a tale to tell you! On Sunday, May 16th, acclaimed pianist/performer Felder will portray the iconic Russian composer in Nicholas, Anna & Sergei, his latest world premiere livestream from Florence, Italy. Nicholas, Anna & Sergei explores the little-known story of a strange meeting of Russian piano virtuoso Rachmaninoff and Anna Anderson, a woman who claimed to be Princess Anastasia, the sole surviving member of the Romanov Dynasty. Set in the Beverly Hills house in which Rachmaninoff died in 1943, Nicholas, Anna & Sergei is a mesmerizing memory play imbued with the composer's most-beloved music.
Presented by Hershey Felder Presents Live from Florence in conjunction with TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, the show was written by Felder and directed by Felder and Italian film artist Stefano DeCarli. It promises Felder's uniquely entertaining blend of live performance, filmed elements, sumptuous visuals, gorgeous music, compelling drama and fascinating cultural history, all leavened with bits of wry humor. The production will also include guest stars such as world-famed soprano and actor Ekaterina Siurina as Natalia Alexandrovna Rachmaninoff, Klezmerata Fiorentina violinist Igor Polesitsky as Dr. Golitzin, and theatre and film actor J. Anthony Crane (who played the title role in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's Cyrano) as Tsar Nicholas II. Helen Farrell will play Anna Anderson. Nicholas, Anna & Sergei will stream live at 5pm PDT, on Sunday, May 16, 2021 (with streaming on-demand access through May 23). To purchase tickets or find more information, visit TheatreWorks.org. Ticket sales directly benefit TheatreWorks Silicon Valley.
BroadwayWorld spoke with Felder last week from his home in Florence while he was in the whirlwind of creating this world premiere. We talked about the craziness of producing these incredibly complicated multimedia livestreams during Covid times, how Rachmaninoff's music and story resonates so deeply for him, and his plans for a whole new season of offerings. Felder is always a delight to talk to - instantly engaging, funny, warm and knowledgeable - and any conversation with him is apt to go off on a number of unanticipated tangents. For example, who knew that Rachmaninoff was tickled pink by Mickey Mouse playing his Prelude in C #? Felder's use of language is also uniquely musical. But then, what else would you expect from a Canadian who grew up speaking English, Yiddish and French, and is now creating his latest work in Italy surrounded by a team of Russians?
AMERICAN SON Opens TheaterWorks 34th Season
TheaterWorks Producing Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero announced today the cast and creative team for AMERICAN SON, the first play of the theater's 34th season. The cast includes Ami Brabson, J Anthony Crane, John Ford Dunker and Michael Genet all making their TheaterWorks debut. AMERICAN SON is the first play to open in the theater's newly renovated space and runs October 18 through November 23, 2019. Press Night is Thursday October 24th at 7:30.
BWW REVIEW: No Empty Chairs at Opening Night of LES MISERABLES in Sioux Falls
The company of LES MISERABLES kicked off a five-day run in Sioux Falls Wednesday night to a full house of patrons excited to see one of the most beloved shows in theater. LES MISERABLES tells the story of redemption, love, and sacrifice in 19th century France as reformed prisoner Jean Valjean (Nick Cartel) works to make himself into a new man after serving nineteen years in jail under the watchful eye of Inspector Javert (Josh Davis).
Barrington Stage Co Announces Casting For 2019;
Mykal Kilgore, Julia Murney, Jonathan Raviv, and More
Barrington Stage Company announced today casting for its 25th Anniversary season. Casting will include Elijah Alexander, Mara Davi, Carson Elrod, Joel de la Fuente, Mykal Kilgore, Alyse Alan Louis, Kate MacCluggage, Jeff McCarthy, Julia Murney, Jonathan Raviv, Debra Jo Rupp and more. Full casting for the 25th Anniversary season is below.
BWW Review: Les Misérables is Glorious at The Landmark Theatre
One the most acclaimed musicals in theatrical history is now performing at Syracuse's Landmark Theater as part of The Famous Artists Broadway Theater Series: Broadway in Syracuse. As presented by Cameron Mackintosh, the Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon Les Misérables is back with a fantastic new staging and breathtaking scenery.
BWW Review: LES MISERABLES Builds the Barricade in Jackson
When the lights dimmed in the theatre on March 8th, the cast of Les Miserables began what can only be described as a musical marathon. With practiced precision, they began a performance where, for almost 3 hours, singing was the only form of communication, and the entire audience was transported back to the 19th century in France, where a man served 19 years in jail for stealing bread, spent years chased by a relentless police inspector, young love was found for one but crushed for another, and a revolution was fought for by a group of students and citizens who will risk their lives for what they believe is right.
The Acting Company Announces Complete Casting For WATCH ON THE RHINE Reading
The Acting Company (Founded by John Houseman and Margot Harley; Ian Belknap, Artistic Director; Elisa Spencer-Kaplan, Executive Director) announced today complete casting for the first reading in the 23rd John McDonald Salon Reading Series, Lillian Hellman's acclaimed drama Watch on the Rhine. The reading will take place on Monday, March 18 at 7 PM at the Mainstage Theater at Playwrights Horizons (416 W. 42nd Street, New York, NY). Tickets are available now online at www.theactingcompany.org.
Kravis Center Presents LES MISERABLES
Casting for Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISERABLES, has been announced for its much anticipated West Palm Beach engagement at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts direct from a celebrated two-and-a-half year Broadway engagement. To purchase tickets, visit www.kravis.org, call 561.832.7469 or visit the Kravis Center Box Office at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Ticket prices start at $41. For a sneak peek, please visit www.LesMiz.com.
BWW Review: LES MISERABLES at Times Union Performing Arts Center
The Les Miserables National Tour has made its stop in Jacksonville and has audiences cheering. Les Miz, as it is known to many theatre goers, is based on Victor Hugo's novel of the same name. The story is set in France between 1815 and 1832, features iconic characters such as Jean Valjean, Javert, Fantine, Eponine, Cosette, and so many more. Audiences are able to follow their stories through a show that is sung COMPLETELY through and feel all the emotions, triumphs, and excitement that is in front of them. I cannot say enough good things about Les Miserables, but let's try!
BWW Review: LES MISERABLES Dazzles at The Fabulous Fox
Anyone familiar with the Tony-Award-winning musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel Les Miserables knows it is a grand indulgence for the eyes, ears, and mind. The Cameron Mackintosh and Networks touring production (with new staging and reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo!) does not disappoint.