This show is both a play and a concert of Gershwin music. Felder’s ability as an actor was at least equal to his talents at the keyboard.  My only unsettling observation for the evening we attended was that I felt Felder’s closing rendition of Rhapsody in Blue was somewhat over played; with more fortissimo than I am accustomed to. After the show I was able to chat with him briefly.  I inquired if he had made use of the arrangement which Ferde Grofe, who was Paul Whiteman’s arranger before Gershwin, had written.  He looked a little surprised and asked if I played it.  I responded by saying that I had many years back when I was an aspiring pianist.  Felder then gave me a very broad grin and said “well yes, it was based on the Grofe arrangement; however, I goosed it up a bit as you no doubt noticed”.  Well, I thought, yes I did notice, maybe a bit too much; but then again he, at least, had a polished keyboard technique, as well as a superior piano, to pull it off.   

Gershwin’s life was  unique, at least among American composers of his day. I thought Felder’s attempt to compress Gershwin’s life events into an hour and a half program was well done. It is important to consider that in a time frame of slightly over two decades he was able to accomplish so much in the world of music; if the term “crossover musician” had been in the lexicon of the period, he would have filled the bill completely.  Gershwin’s ability to weave together so many diverse musical styles and tonalities was truly exceptional;  the gospel and spiritual songs of the Blacks in the south,  Jewish tonalities from his own traditions,  the evolving sense of spontaneity and complex rhythms of Jazz,  classical structure and of course The Blues. With his blending of these musical forms, he created what the music world today considers his own musical genre; a “sound” which is so uniquely recognizable as Gershwin.

I enjoyed the concert in the company of my daughter Kelly, who didn't think she was familiar with Gershwin's music. It did not take long for recognition and surprise to show on her lovely face.  “I know these! Did he compose all of these songs? Wow” Later, she gave me her review of the show: “George Gershwin Alone was fantastic. It told the fascinating story of the life of a passionate, yet misunderstood man.. This one man show is lively, funny, and yet intimate.  At some points the audience was asked to join in. Hearing ourselves sing was half the fun. Even for someone in their twenties like myself, who has little knowledge of Gershwin and his fame, there was fun to be had and wonderful music to pull at my heart strings.  My favorite part was how Gershwin even found ‘music in the heart of noise’.  I found a wonderful depth in that statement and found a deeper understanding of Gershwin himself and the relationship he had with his music.  I whole heartedly enjoyed all of the show and have already recommended it others I know”.

Along with our family , there are millions listeners, both then and now, who are in love with his music.  This show brings it all alive once again.  Felder has preformed this show around the globe over 2500 times and the demand is still growing.  My recommendation: Treat yourself to a very worthwhile and entertaining evening.  Bring the younger generations in your family; it is important that they meet the man who many call the foremost American composer of the twentieth century and who is also an important part of Jewish musical history.