Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone Press Release

INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED and AWARD WINNING HERSHEY FELDER as GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE

January 12- February 21, 2012

LAGUNA BEACH, CA - December 16, 2009 - The Laguna Playhouse presents the popular and critically acclaimed final movement of Hershey Felder's "Composer Sonata" trilogy, HERSHEY FELDER AS GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE, a musical play directed by Joel Zwick with Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin and a book by Hershey Felder. GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE runs January 12 through February 21, 2010. The "Composer Sonata" comprises BEETHOVEN, AS I KNEW HIM; MONSIER CHOPIN; and his final movement, GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE.

In George Gershwin Alone - which won Ovation Awards for Best Actor in a Musical (Hershey Felder) and Best Musical - the internationally acclaimed actor, playwright and Steinway concert artist renders an intimate portrait of the legendary composer that provides a personal glimpse into Gershwin's early years, his personal life and his artistic genius. The evening is packed with many of Gershwin's most famous pieces, including "I Got Rhythm," "Someone to Watch Over Me," and of course, "Rhapsody in Blue."

The first popular composer to use jazz as the foremost musical element in the serious concert hall, George Gershwin absorbed the musical styles, rhythms and sophistication of the American spirit and created a musical language that made its mark on both the classical and popular music throughout the world. Hershey Felder brings to life the essence of the legendary composer and pianist, leading audiences through the fascinating rhythms of Gerswin's legendary songbook, while telling the tale of his tragically short life.

Critics across the country have raved about George Gershwin Alone. The Washington Post calls it "A heartfelt valentine wrapped up in stories and song." The Chicago Sun-Times said that "In an act of uncanny evocation that more often than not appears to verge on full-fledged channeling, the quadruple-threat performer Hershey Felder - an actor, singer, pianist and writer, and all of the first order - has brought the quintessential American composer back to life." USA Today enthused that "Felder effectively conveys the emotional roots and resonance of Gershwin's music. Performing gems such as 'An American in Paris' and 'Bess, You is My Woman Now,' he explains how the journeys taken by characters relevant to those works are reflected in the progression of notes, the chord changes, even the orchestrations." The New York Times stated that "George Gershwin Alone makes a great case for his subject as the American Mozart."

For more information on Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone, please visit the website www.gershwinalone.com

Performance Dates

January 12 - February 21, 2010
Tuesday - Saturday at 8 p.m. / Saturday & Sunday at 2 p.m.
Thursday Matinees January 14 & 28 at 2 p.m.
Sunday Evening January 24 at 7 p.m.

Ticket Prices
Preview Performances: $35 to $55
Regular Performances: $40 to $70

(Dates and times subject to change)

FOR INFORMATION & TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
CALL: (949)497-ARTS (2787)

GROUP SALES: (949)497-2787 ext 229

VISIT: www.LagunaPlayhouse.com

MOULTON THEATRE: 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California