Hershey Felder Plays Chopin in World Premiere of Romantique in MA, Aug. 1-17

By Ernio Hernandez
August 1, 2003

Hershey Felder (George Gershwin Alone) unveils his latest work, Romantique, at The American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Aug. 1. The world premiere runs through Aug. 17.

As Felder's Broadway solo work George Gershwin Alone centered on the title composer, Romantique introduces audiences to the world of another composer, Frédéric Chopin. The story follows the Polish-born composer's relationship with his love, authoress George Sand, and friend, painter Eugène Delacroix, while highlighting Delacroix’s art, Sand’s tales and Chopin’s music. The work is set one summer evening in 1846 when the composer and painter make what would be their final visit to the scribe's retreat.

Joining Felder (who plays Chopin) in the cast are Tony Award winner Anthony Crivello as Delacroix and television star Stephanie Zimbalist as George Sand. Joel Zwick and Andrew Robinson direct.

Crivello won a Tony for his portrayal of Valentin in Kiss of the Spiderwoman. Other Broadway credits include Marie Christine, Les Misérables, The News and Evita.

Zimbalist is remembered for her role on the TV series, "Remington Steele" opposite Pierce Brosnan. The actress has played in The Tempest with Anthony Hopkins at the Mark Taper Forum, The Cherry Orchard at the Long Wharf Theater, Summer and Smoke and Barbarians at the Williamstown Theatre Festival as well as the national tour of My One And Only.

Felder appeared on Broadway in George Gershwin Alone, which he has performed over 1200 times in several major venues across the country as well as Back on Broadway with James Barbour. Other credits include Stempenyu in Stempenyu, Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night, Waiting for Godot, Gigi, Fiddler on the Roof and Ellis Island.

Tickets to George Gershwin Alone and Romantique at A.R.T.'s Loeb Drama Center in Harvard Square at 64 Brattle Street in Cambridge, MA can be purchased by calling (617) 547-8300 or online at www.amrep.org.