Hershey Felder, the pianist-historian-playwright known for his vivid portrayals of music’s greatest figures, is once again creating buzz in the Bay Area with his latest production "Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me," slated for a world premiere at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. Felder's return to the Peninsula theatre company will mark the beginning of 2026 with performances from Jan. 17 through Feb. 8 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, as reported by The Mercury News.
The production, which features music by Wagner, Mendelssohn, and others is a dive into Felder's personal connection to the piano, unfolding his own narrative through the instrument. Amidst previous performances including monolithic music bios like "Rachmaninoff and the Tsar," and "George Gershwin Alone," this autobiographical show offers a unique window into the artist himself. Felder, who has shattered attendance records for TheatreWorks with his consistent engagement of audiences, manages to breathe life into his portrayals of classical and prolific music personalities, a skill that, renders his work unsurprisingly popular among the locals.
Felder's intent with his performances is to "illuminate the context of what people do not know," as he conveyed in a January 2025 interview with David John Chavez for the Bay Area News Group. "What I'm looking for, really, is to set these guys in context so that when we hear the music, we understand where this music came from," Felder told The Mercury News. His dedication to context, has not only educated his audiences but also elevated the performances to a mix of concert and storytelling— a true Felder trademark.
According to Broadway World, "Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me" is unique in Felder’s oeuvre for its introspective look at creating musical works and recounting one's origin story. In this show, audiences will be treated to a multitude of characters including composers, something that, promises an encompassing experience unthinkable in more traditional theatrical offerings. It is this creative twist on performance art that keeps Felder's shows fresh and in demand.
Tickets for the show are now released, and they range from $34 to $115, as per the details shared by both sources. Those eager to experience Felder's latest masterpiece, or simply catch a glimpse into the musician's creative sanctuary can secure their spot by visiting TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's website.
