Bernstein protégé Michael Tilson Thomas has created the homage to his grandparents, who were leading performers in the Yiddish theatre in the 1920s and '30s. The Tanglewood presentation will take place Aug. 19 and 20, 2009. Tilson Thomas will narrate and provide piano accompaniment for The Thomashefskys, which will feature Broadway's Judy Blazer (Lovemusik, Titanic) and Neal Benari (Fiddler on the Roof, Aida) as well as soprano Ronit Widmann-Levy and baritone Eugene Brancoveanu (Baz Lurhmman's La Boheme).
On July 15, 2009, Tanglewood will also welcome Academy Award-winning actor F. Murray Abraham, who will read selected works of the Bard in Stage Music in the Plays of William Shakespeare.
Tickets for the 2009 Tanglewood season go on sale Feb. 15, 2009. For further information visit BSO.org.