Hi, Everyone:

It's been a while since my last post. I'm wondering if anyone here in the Boston area has seen the advertisements for "Monsieur Chopin"? This is a play that is showing at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (More info below.)

My husband and I have tickets to attend the performance on Sat 7/22/06 at 2pm. If any of you are attending, it might be nice to meet before or after the show for lunch or dinner.

The play is showing through the end of July. There are other days to attend.

About the show - per the website:

"Monsieur Chopin begins at Frederick Chopin's salon at 9 Square d'Orleans in Paris. Monsieur Chopin will teach a piano lesson that actually took place on March 4, `1848, just days after the February 1848 revolution. As Monsieur Chopin's piano lesson unfolds, he reveals secrets about the art of the piano and composition, as well as secrets about himself. Considered by his contemporaries, and now by history, as the true "Poet of the Piano," Monsieur Chopin features some of the pianist-composer's most beautiful and enduring music. …"

More info:
http://www.amrep.org/chopin/

Tickets can be ordered:

On line at
http://www.amrep.org/chopin/#tickets

By Phone:.

617 547-8300 Box Office

866 811-4111 a ticket agency I think, I don't think it's the box office. when I phoned they said they have been allotted tickets in row M only to sell. You may be able to get other seats, closer, online or at 617 547-8300.)

If anyone is interested in attending on 7/22 at 2pm, please post here.

Jeanne W

This is the Hershey Felder performance that ran for a long time in Chicago. I saw it and can certainly recommend it - he is very engaging with the audience and if you know little about Chopin it is certainly educational. Felder's playing is first rate and he does alter the pieces from night to night, perhaps to avoid getting stale. I like his delicate touch, which works well in Chopin. If you're at the opening night performance perhaps his wife will be there - she is the ex Prime Minister of Canada.

Oh yes, there is a Chopin sing-along at the end. Rather fun.

Jeanne... thanks for making us aware of this event. I will be in MI for a family reunion on the 22nd of July.

Numerian... thanks for your review. Possibly I will try making a reservation for a preformance on another evening.

You know... I've been planning to go to NH for an art exhibit entitled "Flowers" that a childhood friend of mine is holding in his gallery.

I could try to make this play part of my trip. It appears the theatre is easily accessible from the Red line which also stops at So. Station.

Let me think it over.

Hi, again, Everyone:

I've heard from John Citron privately, who cannot go, as he is consumed with the course he is taking right now (that he mentioned elsewhere here on PW by the way). Best wishes to you, John.

Numerian: Thanks for your comments. I wonder how you know he alters his playing of the pieces night to night. Did you attend more than once? Or was it mentioned in a newspaper review or something?

Terrytunes: Sorry you can't make it. Haven't heard from BeeLady at all. Bzzzzzzzzz...

Bernard: I hope you can join us. But I can't tell for sure if you're thinking of attending the same day as us. Hope you can attend, if not on the 22nd, then another time, cause it does sound awesome.

Heard privately from ChrisW1 also. He may be able to attend. Here's hoping, Chris!

I'm really looking forward to this.

Jeanne W

I attended yesterday and really enjoyed it, have fun on the 22nd!

sleepy

PS One question, on the program there is a timeline of Chopin's life that indicates that he stopped teaching some time before March 1848. Maybe the "lesson" we attend is a comeback appearance especially for us?

Good one, Sleepy.

Jeanne W

Sigh. I've had to postpone my trip to NH so it looks like I'll be missing this performance. I'll keep my eyes and ears open for it though. I'm sure it'll pop up again.

Enjoy it, Jeanne W!

Can anyboday find the sheet"walking by your side" ?. Thanks

Sorry you can't attend, Bernard.

Julie: ??? Is "Walking by your side" a Chopin piece?

Jeanne W

Jeanne,
How did you like the show?

sleepy

Hi, Sleepy: Thanks for asking about the play. In addition to comments about the play, I had a question about the piano used for the performance, so I've posted in the main forum. Here's a link.

http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?/topic/1/14928.html

Jeanne W

P.S. Bernard: I saw an ad in the Boston Globe today saying the play will next go to Hartford, CT. I hope you have a chance to go!!!