Hershey Felder has become synonymous with TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, returning year after year from Europe to present his original musical productions. This year, he brings Rachmaninoff and the Tsar, a largely successful exploration of the life of Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff, the renowned Russian composer, pianist, and conductor. Felder has stated that this marks the final chapter in his series of musical plays about composers, many of which have been presented by TheatreWorks over the years.
For the first time, Felder shares the stage with another actor, Jonathan Silvestri, who portrays Tsar Nicholas II. The production is directed by Trevor Hay, and as always, Felder’s knowledge, charisma, and extraordinary piano playing are at the heart of the experience. Indeed, the production is primarily Felder’s—shaped by his keen sense of history, his ability to discern which parts of that history his audience needs to know, and the way he translates it. This is what TheatreWorks theatergoers come to see—and he doesn’t disappoint.
The setting—a recreation by Felder of Rachmaninoff’s lush garden in Beverly Hills—is beautiful and fitting. It reflects the composer’s love for his family, nature, and music, all of which are central to the story. The garden houses a gorgeous grand piano, which serves as the focal point for Felder’s captivating musical interludes. “I love my family, I love my garden, and I love to compose,” he tells us. This is where the Russian composer ends up in 1942 at the age of 68; having learned of his fatal illness (melanoma), he has chosen to spend his remaining days in his home. He reminds us that it’s important to surround yourself with the things you love.
Felder weaves humor into the narrative, lightening the mood while sharing historical details. For instance, he recounts Rachmaninoff’s reaction to audiences persistently requesting his concerto, jokingly referring to it as simply “it.” Another humorous moment arises when Felder, as Rachmaninoff, discusses marrying a cousin and quips to the Tsar, “Doesn’t every Russian marry a cousin?” And when recounting to the Tsar how he came to end up in California, he reminds him that he had to get out of Russia or he would have been killed.
While the production is engaging overall, a few elements could have been improved. Mr. Hay allows Felder to freely roam the expansive Mountain View Center stage, but Silvestri is largely confined to sitting on a park bench or standing stiffly near the audience, delivering his lines directly to them rather than engaging with Felder. This staging choice limits the dynamic between the two characters.
Additionally, the Tsar’s costume by Marysol Gabriel is peculiar. It resembles a high school marching band uniform, which feels out of place and diminishes the gravitas of the role. Silvestri’s posture and rigid movements also occasionally feel awkward and distract from his performance.
The two-hour intermissionless production concludes with an encore of Rachmaninoff playing the American national anthem, inviting the audience to join in singing. This unexpected touch left many feeling a renewed sense of patriotism.
As is Felder’s tradition, he engages the audience in a Q&A session after the performance, stepping out of character to share personal anecdotes and insights. He spoke about both Rachmaninoff and his own life, splitting his time between France and Italy and serving as the artistic director of two historic theaters in Florence: Teatro della Signoria and Teatro Nicollini.
Rachmaninoff and the Tsar is a compelling addition to Felder’s celebrated repertoire. Despite some shortcomings, the production succeeds in immersing the audience in Rachmaninoff’s world, thanks to Felder’s exceptional talent and storytelling. Fans of Felder and classical music alike will find much to enjoy in this heartfelt tribute to the legendary composer.
photos by Stefano Decarli
Rachmaninoff and the Tsar
presented by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street
Tues at 7:30; Wed at 2 & 7:30; Thurs & Fri at 8; Sat at 2 & 8; Sun at 2 & 7
ends on February 9, 2025
one hour forty minutes, no intermission
for tickets ($34-$115), call 877.662.8978 or visit TheatreWorks
for more info and tour dates, visit Rach and the Tsar and Hershey Felder
Joanne Engelhardt is a former San Jose Mercury and Santa Cruz Sentinel writer and theatre critic and is a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle. Contact: [email protected]
