The Sensational Monsieur Chopin

The setting is truly spectacular and intriguing: an exquisitely decorated stage depicting an apartment in 1848 Paris with a grand piano as its centerpiece. The dim lighting is mesmerizing. Silence. Puzzlement. Anticipation. And here he is: the mysterious Monsieur Chopin appears from the darkness of the auditorium walking down the center aisle as he is heading to the stage of Berkeley’s intimate and inviting Repertory Theater.

Fashionably attired in a black cape, his dark long hair coiffed to perfection – the vision is impeccable. Yes, it is the legendary Polish composer Frederic Chopin, or is it?

This is the intro to the most amazing one-man masterpiece, “Monsieur Chopin,” written and performed by Hershey Felder, the award-winning playwright, actor, pianist, comedian, and scholar-in-residence at Harvard University’s department of music.

In his passionate portrayal of his beloved composer, known as the “Poet of the Piano,” Felder reveals the romantic composer’s secrets about his creations – and the secrets he carried to his grave – against a gorgeous, lush score of more than a dozen compositions.

Come back with Hershey Felder to meet the mysterious Monsieur Chopin. This is theater at its best! Felder’s final twenty minute Q&A with the audience segment is not to be missed. It was completely impromptu and had the sold out spectators in stitches. They gratefully and enthusiastically acknowledged the performer with a prolonged ovation.

Only four performances on the Berkeley Rep’s schedule are left through August 10th. Beg, plead, or follow the ticket scalpers to find a way to see this play, even if it is for standing room only. You will never see another musically-infused production of this creative and phenomenal genre. Unless of course you catch up with Hershey Felder’s “Monsieur Chopin” as he performs around the country or unless he personally invites you to his command performance for the Polish Ambassador to the United States. For tickets, call (510) 647‑2949 or go to berkeleyrep.org.

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, not the best of ‘‘balabostas’’ her beloved beautiful Mom, Dina, was hoping for. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out.

By Lina Broydo