Hershey as Irving

In the best so far of his “Composers Sonata” series, which essays the lives of Gershwin, Bernstein, Beethoven and Chopin, Canadian born writer/performer/musical artist Hershey Felder holds forth in his newest solo show, Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin, through January 3 at La Jolla Playhouse. 

Felder and director Trevor Hay create a beautiful set representing Berlin’s New York apartment replete with grand piano, lofty ceilings, comfy chairs, photos of his mother and a century of memories (Berlin died at 101 in 1989).

Felder capitalizes on those memories and interlaces them with some of the composer’s 1,500 songs, endearing himself to the audience both as Berlin and as Felder, perhaps because the two have much in common, and perhaps because Felder’s voice and pianism so enhance Berlin’s verbal and melodic style. (The composer had a wee voice.) Felder also does some mean impressions of Elvis Presley and two Ethels. Merman and Waters. Everything we learn is designed to show just how humanitarian and patriotic Berlin was and just how tough his life was. Despite personal tragedy and loss, he just kept plugging away.

Coursing through Berlin’s life from shtetl rags to reclusive riches, we hear songs from his score to Annie Get Your Gun, including “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” and love ballads for his wives, “When I Lost You,” written for his first wife, who died from typhoid fever contracted on their honeymoon, and “Always,” written for his second wife, whom he met 13 years later. They were married more than 60 years.

Some of the most enjoyable sections incorporate filmed performances, such as one by Al Jolson, with Felde accompanying on piano. As evidence of Berlin’s humor and patriotism, Felder includes “Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning” and “God Bless America.”And don’t forget “White Christmas,” introduced by Bing Crosby in the 1954 film, which is entirely appropriate to Felder’s piece, set on Christmas Eve 1988, the year the composer turned 100. We, the audience, are the carolers he always meant to invite in but never did until now. 

The audience seemed to have a wonderful time at the Playhouse Sunday afternoon, Dec. 20, and so did I. It's a splendid holiday gift to the family. Catch a performance through January 3: www.lajollaplayhouse.orgor (858) 550-1010.