It’s an Emotional Journey with TheatreWorks’ “Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me”

By Ron Friedenthal

     TheatreWorks Silicon Valley rings in 2026 with the return of actor/pianist/writer Hershey Felder in the World Premiere of Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me, currently performing through February 8 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts (500 Castro Street).

     I have been a Hershey Felder fan for many years and have seen many of his one-man show productions. This program was the most personal and best I have seen. The audience was transfixed on his presentation and their appreciation showed in the response. In this brand-new play, Felder plays himself as well as many of the characters he’s met along the way who have made his art possible. Felder’s stunning creation features performances of beloved compositions by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Bartók, etc. Felder tells the story behind the story: the joy, the heartbreak, the elation, the insanity, and, above everything, the music that drives it all!

     Felder's "uncanny ability to connect with audiences" is a key strength. His storytelling is described as engaging, laced with humor and poignant moments, allowing the audience to join him on an emotional journey.

     Hershey Felder’s “The Piano and Me “ centers on discovery:   a discovery of music that connects Hershey to his family heritage.  The story is how a child of immigrants, who doesn’t fit anywhere, finds his place in the world through music.  Felder plays himself, as well as many of the characters he met along the way to make his form of art through music possible.  And what an art form.  Felder has done 6,000 live performances and 18 musical films.    At the end of the show, Felder took audience questions and this personalizes the presentation even more.

     Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me features lighting design by Erik S. Barry, production management, sound design by Erik Cartensen, and video design by Stefano DeCarli.

     Take the opportunity to see this show before the run ends.  You will find it very accelerating and well worth your time.

     For more tickets and information, the public may visit TheatreWorks.org or phone 877-662-8978 Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

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Hershey Felder tells his own story in TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's World Premiere of "Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me," currently performing January 17 - February 8. (Photo Credit: David Lepori)