Composer, Conductor and Pianist

Rachmaninoff and the Tsar

Sergei Rachmaninoff was an unbelievably creative genius. Seldom does an artist achieve the kind of popularity that Rachmaninoff enjoyed during his own lifetime. In addition to his renowned talent as a composer of Romantic classical music, as well as his brilliance as an accomplished concert pianist, Rachmaninoff became the highly-respected Conductor of Russia’s Bolshoi Theater. However, political turmoil in Russia prompted Rachmaninoff and his family to leave Moscow for Germany and other countries, but he often returned to his homeland again and again. However, following the 1917 Russian Revolution, Rachmaninoff reluctantly decided to leave his homeland for good. He and his family emigrated to America, where they lived on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. There, among his many other achievements, the gifted composer arranged The Star-Spangled Banner to mark the 200th anniversary of Francis Scott Key’s piece that became America’s National Anthem.

Musical history comes alive in every Hershey Felder presentation. A highly respected, multitalented theatre artist and pianist, Mr. Felder is known for his many acclaimed biographic productions, which he writes, produces and performs. Most often Felder’s productions focus on the lives of a great classical European composer, but they also feature the careers of more contemporary musicians, as well. Hershey Felder’s works include the incredible MONSIEUR CHOPIN, a production that took audiences and critics by storm last season at Writers Theatre. But his repertoire also includes such titles as BEETHOVEN, AS I KNEW HIM; OUR GREAT TCHAIKOVSKY; and A PARIS LOVE STORY, the life story of pianist Claude Debussy. He’s also created and presented several fact-filled and musically-infused presentations about more modern musicians, such as GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE; MAESTRO (LEONARD BERNSTEIN); and HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN.

But this latest, Chicago/Midwestern Premiere production, is a bit different. For the first time, Mr. Felder is sharing the stage with another talented actor. In RACHMANINOFF AND THE TSAR, while Hershey Felder brilliantly inhabits the role of the great Russian composer, British-Italian actor Jonathan Silvestri masterfully portrays Tsar Nicolas II, the last reigning Russian Emperor. A poor decision maker, Nicolas’s worsening relationships with the Russian government and inflicted hardships upon his people resulted in the October Revolution in 1917. Because the Tsar refused to relinquish his absolute power, Nicolas, his wife Alexandra and their five children (including their youngest, Anastasia), were all brutally executed by Bolshevik revolutionaries. A fun fact: Silvestri’s own wife and daughter appear with Jonathan as the Romanov family in the filmed projections, created by Stefano Decarli.

While the Book and Concept Design is by Hershey Felder, the production is nicely Directed by Trevor Hay, with an appropriate balance of drama and humor. The production is given an historical feel by the Projections Designed by Stefano Decarli. The Sounds of crickets and birds chirping in the garden, along with orchestral enhancement for certain musical pieces, is provided by Erik Carstensen. An atmospheric Lighting Design comes courtesy of Erik S. Barry. The historically accurate Costumes were created by Marysol Gabriel with Wigs by Judi Lewin. And providing the cast and crew with research that enables a more authentic production, Jerry Patch serves as Dramaturg.  

There is so much information to be unpacked in this 100-minute one-act that the theatergoer might initially feel a bit overwhelmed. But while Mr. Felder teaches his audience a great deal about both of these historical figures, there’s no test over the material. So just sit back, relax and let this entertaining tale about home and family enchant you. Be fascinated by the artistry of this brilliant Russian musical genius. Be astonished by Rachmaninoff’s strained relationship with the deposed Romanov ruler. Then languish in all the magical musical selections that weave throughout the story. Presented in a captivating chronicle, created and presented by the gifted and masterful Hershey Felder, we’re treated to the life of another world-famous composer, conductor and pianist that will both amaze and astound. 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented August 13-September 21 by Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, Illinois.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 847-242-6000 or by going to www.writerstheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.