Bernstein was born in 1918 to
Russian-Jewish immigrants. (Felder speaks as Bernstein’s father with a
flawless accent.) He fell in love with music when an aunt gave his family
an old weathered upright piano. He began taking lessons and was a musical
prodigy. Felder’s biography tells about the mentors in Bernstein’s life,
his transition from a performer to becoming an overnight sensation as a
conductor at the young age of twenty-five. (Following that, his father
finally respected his choice of profession!) He was a composer of
classical music but still had the ability to transcend into the musical
world of Broadway.
Bernstein fell in love, married
and had three beautiful children, but his schedule was hectic and his work
demanding. As the years went by, he became a very controversial figure. He
left his family thinking he had fallen in love with a young man, only to
return to them at a difficult time. Perhaps one of the biggest
disappointments in Bernstein’s life was that he wanted to be a musical
legend known for his classical works as are the great classical composers
we all know today. He didn’t seem satisfied to be remembered for his
wonderful music from his many Broadway shows such as Candide, On
the Town, and especially Westside Story.
Interspersed with some singing by
Felder and his brilliant piano performances that he uses to embellish his
story, as well as pictures imposed on a back screen, Maestro: the Art
of Leonard Bernstein is a compelling theater piece.
- Geffen Playhouse
- 10886 Le Conte Ave.
- Westwood, CA
- Tuesdays through Fridays-8 PM, Saturdays-3
PM and 8 PM, Sundays-2 PM and 7 PM
Comments? Write to us at:
Letters@ReviewPlays.Com
Editors note: Read comments by
Brad Keimach one of Bernsteins disciples
here.
