GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE (PASADENA PLAYHOUSE): 100% – SWEET

Hershey Felder in "George Gershwin Alone" at the Pasadena Playhouse. Photo courtesy of Mark Garvin.

SWEET
One might call it spending an evening with George Gershwin. Or maybe call it a backward look at a gentler time. Whatever you want to call it, the current fare at the venerable Pasadena Playhouse is a singular experience in theatre, where you are entertained by a superbly gifted storyteller and then the audience has a chance to participate in its own merry making by joining a sing along.
Jose Ruiz – Reviewplays

SWEET
There is nothing that one can say that could in any way replace the experience of watching Felder become Gershwin. Except, of course, that Felder is not entirely on his own; the shiny finish is provided by his director, Joel Zwick. And, without beating the point to death, Felder makes clear that Gershwin was not usurping black music but was, rather, trying to find a synthesis between Jewish liturgical music and the roots of African-American jazz in order to create a whole new American musical style. Through Felder’s fingers and in a voice that is wedded to his heart, the man I love is George Gershwin Alone.
Harvey Perr – Stage and Cinema

SWEET
Felder fills the space with his virtuoso musicianship and creates such an extraordinary stir and love affair with his public that he is becoming almost as popular as the legendary composer himself.
Don Grigware – BroadwayWorld

SWEET
Once again, with George Gershwin Alone, Felder gives us a captivating performance of a fascinating creative life, vividly and emotionally recounted.
Pauline Adamek – ArtsBeatLA

GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE
The Pasadena Playhouse
39 S. El Molino Avenue, Pasadena CA 91101
Runs through May 8, 2011, Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Running time: Approx 90 minutes, no intermission
TICKETS: Regular ticket price range is from $39.00 – $69.00, with Premium Seating available for $100.00; 626-356-7529