Hershey Felder to Premiere New Show in Bay Area This January

Hershey Felder, a renowned pianist, playwright, and historian, will return to the Bay Area with the world premiere of his latest show, “Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me.” Scheduled to debut on January 17, 2026, the performance will run through February 8, 2026, at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts.

The announcement from TheatreWorks Silicon Valley on Monday assures fans that Felder’s previous show, “Rachmaninoff and the Tsar,” earlier this year, was not his final performance in the region. This upcoming production promises a blend of personal storytelling and music, featuring works from celebrated composers such as Wagner and Mendelssohn.

Felder has consistently captivated audiences with his unique approach to theatre, integrating the life stories of classical music icons with their compositions. His productions have often set attendance records for the Peninsula theatre company. Since his debut in 1998 with “George Gershwin Alone,” Felder has created a distinct narrative style that seeks to contextualize the music within the historical frameworks of its time.

In a January 2025 interview with David John Chavez for the Bay Area News Group, Felder discussed his artistic vision. He explained, “What I’ve been looking to do with these characters is to illuminate the context of what people do not know.” He emphasized that while musicians may grasp technical aspects of performance, they often overlook the historical context that shapes the music.

Felder’s approach allows audiences to appreciate not just the notes, but the stories behind them. His shows have introduced many to the rich histories of composers including Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, and Tchaikovsky, allowing for a deeper understanding of their contributions to music.

Tickets for “Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me” are currently available, ranging from $34 to $115. Interested attendees can purchase tickets online at theatreworks.org. The Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts is located at 500 Castro St., making it a convenient venue for both local and visiting audiences.

As Felder prepares to unveil this new work, anticipation builds among his fans who have come to expect an enriching blend of music and storytelling that resonates across generations.