Hershey Felder's one-man show, George Gershwin Alone, about the legendary composer, ended its limited run on Broadway July 22, 2001. Felder played a previous engagement for A.R.T. last summer.
The play with music directed by Joel Zwick features the playwright-performer Felder as Gershwin sitting at a piano playing several songs, including parts of "Rhapsody in Blue," "An American in Paris" and "Porgy and Bess." Between numbers, he speaks about his childhood, parents and siblings Ira, Arthur and Frances. He also discusses where and when songs were composed and offers a peek into how a composer and lyricist work together.
Following George Gershwin Alone the A.R.T. presents the world premiere of Felder's new work Romantique, Aug. 1-17.
Romantique introduces audiences to the world of another composer, Frédéric Chopin. The story follows his relationship with his love — authoress George Sand — and friend — painter Eugène Delacroix — while highlighting their art, tales and 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. 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.
Zwick directed of the film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" as well as the Broadway production of Dance With Me. He also helmed the national tours of Shenandoah and Oklahoma!
Ticket to George Gershwin Alone and Romantique at A.R.T.'s Loeb Drama Center in Harvard Square at 64 Brattle Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts can be purchased by calling (617) 547-8300 or online at www.amrep.org.
