Accolades extend ‘Pianist’ at Lyceum

By Eileen Wingard

SAN DIEGO — I was pleased to learn of the extension until October 12 of The Pianist of Willesden Lane at the Lyceum Theatre.  Pianist Mona Golabek, star of the one-woman show, has been a family friend since childhood.  Both she and my sister, violinist Zina Schiff, were prodigies of Los Angeles’ Young Musicians Foundation (YMF).

I still recall the wonderful program with the YMF-sponsored Debut Orchestra when Mona and Zina, still pre-teens, were the remarkable soloists. Kenneth Klein, who later had  alengthy tenure with the Guatalajara Orchestra, was the conductor.

Mona and Zina led parallel early careers, with both, as teenagers, winning first prizes in their respective divisions of the annual YMF competitions. The two young women were also featured in the same edition of Musical America as “Outstanding Young Artists.”

Later, Mona had a distinguished career as a soloist, which included performing at the Hollywood Bowl. She also joined with her sister, Renee, to form a two-piano team. I remember their performances with the San Diego Symphony. The two siblings played with deep feeling and an almost telepathic sense of ensemble. Unfortunately, Renee died several years ago, leaving behind three children, whom their aunt Mona has helped raise.

With innovative creativity, Mona developed a series of programs for classical radio stations, serving as a classical DJ and introducing works with appropriate poetry, commentary, and biographical notes. Her dramatic oration, fine-tuned in these programs, is showcased in The Pianist of Willesden Lane.

The play, directed and adapted by Hershey Felder from the book co-authored by Mona, tells her mother’s story, simply and straightforwardly. Mona’s expressive voice, and her ability to change its quality – emulating her Austrian piano professor and various other characters – gives her narration dramatic presence. It mirrors her nuanced, passionate piano playing, so well-demonstrated during the play.  In fact, you many never again hear Debussy’s Claire de Lune played with such beautifully calibrated dynamics.

When the play was extended through October 12, Mona made certain that she would not be required to perform during Yom Kippur. She graciously accepted the invitation to join my family and me for services at Congregation Beth Israel. It was a special treat, having this consummate artist and long-time friend with us during the inspiring services.  Before going to hear Kol Nidre, during dinner at my daughter, Myla’s, home, we learned that the play is going next to Cleveland and possibly, to London.

After it closes in San Diego, Mona will return to Los Angeles, to work with school personnel to include the play and her book in their Holocaust curriculum. On November 2, she will be honored by the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust at their annual fundraising event.

Mona has taken the show on the road for three years, and it has received universal rave reviews and extended runs in places such as New York, Boston, Berkeley and Los Angeles.

I first saw it at its debut at the Geffen Theatre in Los Angeles and have seen it twice during its San Diego run. Each time, I have been deeply moved by the poignancy of Lisa Jura’s story and the power of music to support survival. I highly recommend Mona Golabek’s breath-taking performance in The Pianist of Willesden Lane.

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Wingard is a freelance writer and a former violinist with the San Diego Symphony.  She may be contacted via eileen.wingard@sdjewishworld.com