Review Roundup: "Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin"

Hershey Felder brings to life the remarkable story of Irving Berlin, “America’s Composer.” From the depths of anti-Semitism in Czarist Russia, to New York’s Lower East Side, and ultimately all of America and the world, Berlin’s story epitomizes the American dream. Featuring the composer’s most popular and enduring songs from “God Bless America,” to “White Christmas” and beyond, Hershey Felder’s masterful creation of character and musical performance makes this evening with Irving Berlin an unforgettable journey.

But don’t take our word for it …

“This may be the only celebrated reference that author-performer Felder doesn’t incorporate. Adroitly directed by longtime collaborator Trevor Hay, the intermission-less proceedings operate as pocket history of the immigrant born Israel Isidore Bailin and a reminder of the breadth of his output … And what a songbook it is. From ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’ to ‘Always,’ ‘God Bless America’ to ‘Easter Parade,’ the significant numbers emerge, intertwined with the people, events and experiences that motivated them, punctuated by designer Andrew Wilder’s wonderful projections and Julian Pike’s keen lighting.” Read more here.

“Hershey Felder is a phenomenon … this Irving Berlin tribute is something very special.” Read more here.

“Once again Felder, under Trevor Hay’s loving direction, envelops himself in his characterization and has a ball, breaking the fourth wall and playing it full-out to the audience. He becomes the master of song Irving Berlin, pulling in everyone within earshot … and you do not want to miss a delicious moment of it.” Read more here.

“Hershey Felder is, of his own account, also a sort of Renaissance man. The Canadian-born actor and pianist has made a name for himself breathing new life and perspective into great composers on stage, such as Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin, and his portrayal of Irving Berlin is as high-caliber as his reputation. He sings, jokes, speaks a little Yiddish and rolls effortlessly across a lavish Steinway in ways only a gifted concert pianist could. But, above all else, he reveals to us this story with great empathy. We can feel the care that went into crafting this play, the respect necessary to do his subject justice. We’re with him for the entirety of the evening, which is no small feat considering he stands on stage for two hours, with no intermission, and no one to talk to but us.” Read more here.

Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin runs through January 4. Please click here to purchase tickets.