Michael Lamont
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)– San Diego REPertory Theatre (San Diego REP) has announced the extension of the critically-acclaimed production of Mona Golabek in The Pianist of Willesden Lane” adapted and directed by Hershey Felder, based on the book “The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen. An additional 12 performances have been added to the schedule, and the show must close Oct. 12.
“It is so wonderful to be able to bring Mona and ‘Pianist’ home to the city where all of its artwork originated, to the city where we had the first public reading at University of San Diego in 2011, and where all the artists involved make their home,” says Felder. “San Diego REP has been a most welcoming host theatre, and it is thrilling to see audiences from all over the county cheering for Mona and her mesmerizing story-telling and piano-playing every night. It’s just terrific to be ‘home’ after playing all over the nation, and to be so warmly received.”
Sam Woodhouse, co-founder and artistic director, San Diego REP, says the audience reaction to the ‘Pianist’ has been thrilling and astonishing, “We are thrilled because, as theatre artists, it gives us great joy to see San Diego experience the true story of a young woman who held on to her art and music in order to survive. We are thrilled at the artistry of adapter/director Hershey Felder and performer Mona Golabek bring to the Lyceum Stage,” explains Woodhouse. “At every performance, you can literally hear a pin drop in the theatre one moment as Mona tells this extraordinary story, and in the next moment the room is filled with the glorious sound of Mona playing the Steinway grand piano. I have never heard so many theatregoers say, ‘This is the best show I have ever seen.’”
Set in Vienna in 1938 and in London during the Blitz, The Pianist of Willesden Lane tells the true story of Lisa Jura, a young Jewish pianist who is dreaming about her concert debut at Vienna’s storied Musikverein concert hall. But with the issuing of new ordinances under the Nazi regime, everything for Jura changes, except for her love of music and the pursuit of her dream.
Featuring some of the world’s most beloved piano music played live, The Pianist of Willesden Lane is performer Golabek’s true family story – a story of music, family survival, and hope.
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Preceding provided by San Diego Repertory Theatre
So pleased that additional performances have been added giving those of us who have seen this outstanding production added opportunity to encourage everyone to see it. You will do so much more than ‘see’ it, as the vivid storytelling and exciting music quickly engage us on many levels. Even the printed program is unique in its inclusion of background information on both the Kindertransport and London Blitz. Both Jews and non- Jews will appreciate all this superb theater experience provides.