Novelist John O'Hara once said "George Gershwin died on July 11, 1937, but I don't have to believe it if I don't want to." For Gershwin lovers and new fans alike, there is no need to believe. Actor-musician Hershey Felder reincarnates the musical luminary in his one-man play about the legendary American composer in the American Repertory Theatre's production of "George Gershwin Alone."
The production combines original musical pieces composed by George and his brother Ira with anecdotal monologues by Felder in the role Gershwin. This fusion of music and words resurrect Gershwin and the golden jazz era which inspired his oeuvres.
From the opening of the production until its grandiose finale, Felder's Gershwin infuses the Drama Center _ the Cambridge venue where it is being performed _ with such exuberance and life that one almost forgets the actor is not the brilliant composer himself.
The actor's monologues highlight important aspects of Gershwin's fascinating history, from his development of Swannee River until his creation of the immensely popular Rhapsody in Blue. Between piano pieces, Felder recounts Gershwin's humble beginnings as the son of Russian-Jewish immigrants to his eminent rise to stardom as a famed composer and musical film writer. A poignant moment during the performance is when Felder rapturously details the history of Porgy and Bess, from its creative inception until its release and subsequent commercial failure, which caused the financial ruin of the Gershwin brothers.
As paradoxical as the composer, Felder is at once joyous when reminiscing about Ira Gershwin and melancholy when recalling the dismal reviews he often received for his plays and the life long headaches that would eventually lead to his death by a brain tumor. The audience learns bits of trivia about Gershwin's life, such as the detail that his inspiration for his phenomenal Rhapsody in Blue came from the chugging of a train, and his belief that his mother was a "Russian mama with a vengeance."
The play ends with a rousing rendition of Rhapsody in Blue that first leaves the audience speechless at its finale, then on its feet filling the theater with thunderous applause.
Felder is simply phenomenal in his portrayal of Gershwin. A pianist and actor, Felder is a native of Canada and attended McGill University. He made his concerto debut at the age of 19 with the performance of, coincidentally, Rhapsody in Blue. "George Gershwin Alone" is based on a book by Felder and is directed by Joel Zwick (My Big Fat Greek Wedding).
Felder's resemblance to Gershwin is uncanny; his jet-black hair is slicked back, he sports a pinstriped suit, and his voice projects loudly and energetically into the audience. Although his singing ability is pleasant enough, it is his piano ability that steals the show. At once powerful and melodic, Felder's agile renditions of much-loved Gershwin tunes are wonderful for old fans and newcomers alike. Such a combination of raw musical ability and acting talent is seldom found in one performer.
At the end of the show, Felder entertains the audience with his account of how the play came into existence. He wittingly turns up a humorous, little-known Gershwin ditty about Boston entitled Back Bay Polka and amuses the audience with its performance. He also engages the audience in a sing-a-long of popular numbers like Summertime. Although the audience was an older crowd, for whom Gershwin tunes are more nostalgia than history, younger members in the audience also appreciated Felder's attempts to unite them in appreciation of the late composer.
The set for "George Gershwin Alone" consists of a minimalist reproduction of Gerswhin's 132 East 72nd apartment in New York City. The room is sparsely decorated, its main piece a grand piano situated at the center of the stage. Throughout the show, photographic images of the composer's life are projected onto the set's walls. The lighting is mellow and affords the theater an intimate feel. The ambiance is at once electric and engaging, and one feels transported to Gershwin's enchanting era of Jazz and Broadway.
The American Repertory Theatre describes "George Gershwin Alone" as an "imagination with music." This aptly depicts the magically inventive one-man play about the talented composer. Felder is both charming and engaging as Gershwin, and his authentic renditions of famous Gershwin melodies are both awe-inspiring and delightful to hear. The set and lighting create an intimate and cozy atmosphere.
Gershwin once said, "True music must repeat the thought and inspirations of the people and the time. My people are Americans and my time is today." Thanks to Felder's play in tribute to Gershwin, the composer's spirit and music live on today, decades after his untimely death. The production will appeal to fans new and old. "George Gershwin Alone" is playing thru October 12 at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St in Cambridge. For tickets and information call (617) 547-8300.
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