The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts announces Hershey Felder: Beethoven, a one-time-only, live streamed broadcast musical event presented live from Florence, Italy, to benefit The Wallis, on Sunday, July 12, 2020, at 5pm (PDT). Hershey Felder: Beethoven features the music of Ludwig van Beethoven, text by Felder, and is based on the original stage play direction by Joel Zwick. Felder, an actor, playwright and pianist, is internationally acclaimed for his productions about the lives of such composers as Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, Berlin, Chopin, and Bernstein.

If you love the music of Beethoven, you will love this show. I attended a production  at the Wallis with staff writer Barbara Kossoff – Read her review HERE – You can find it on the Reviews Page – under the Theatre drop-down.

Hershey Felder: Beethoven is based on Memories of Beethoven: Out of the House of Black-Robed Spaniards, a first-hand account by Dr. Gerhard von Breuning. (‘Schwarzspanierhaus,’ or House of Black-Robed Spaniards, was the name of Beethoven’s final residence in Vienna, Austria, where he died in 1827). Felder brings Beethoven to life through the eyes of Viennese doctor Breuning, who spent his boyhood by the aging Maestro’s side

The one-man musical play features some of the composer’s most well-known compositions from his keyboard works such as the “Emperor Concerto” to the 5th and 9th Symphonies, his keyboard sonatas, and chamber music selections. Hershey Felder: Beethoven is produced by Samantha F. Voxakis, Karen Racanelli and Erik Carstensen.

Director Joel Zwick has previously collaborated with Felder on George Gershwin Alone, Monsieur Chopin and Maestro Bernstein. Zwick is recognized as one of Hollywood’s most prolific directors of episodic television and has directed on Broadway, Off-Broadway and for Broadway touring companies as well as directing the highest-grossing film comedy of all time My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Associate Director is Trevor Hay. Scenic design is by Hershey Felder. Costume design is from Theatr’ Hall, Paris. Film production is by Montagni Audiovisivi. Live editing is by Stefano DeCarli. Live broadcast by Rich Flier. Sound design and production are by co-Producer Erik Carstensen.

In keeping with Hershey Felder’s “ENCORE” tradition and audience engagement, Hershey Felder Presents has established THE HERSHEY FELDER PRESENTS ARTS PRIZE COMPETITION* which will be presented as the ENCORE of the Beethoven Performance. Ticket-holders will be invited to cast one vote for their favorite Competition Video using their registered email address, and the competition winner by viewer vote will be awarded $25,000 (twenty-five thousand U.S. dollars). For more information please visit HersheyFelder.net – you must be over 19 years old to vote or have parental consent.

Tickets run $55.00 per household for viewing on Smart TV, computer, smartphone or tablet. Patrons will receive a link and password which will enable them to view the live stream. Purchase includes the live stream AND an additional 72-hours of on-demand viewing access to a video recording of the live stream (available for one hour after the broadcast ends). The show, which runs one hour and 45 minutes, is followed by The Hershey Felder Presents Arts Prize Competition. 

What: HERSHEY FELDER: BEETHOVEN, Live from Florence, Italy
Where: Online – purchase tickets via web or phone
When: Sunday, July 12, 2020, 5 pm (PDT)
Phone: 310.746.4000 (Tue.-Fri. 9:30 am – 2:30 pm)
Website: TheWallis.org/Beethoven