Portland Center Stage: Pianist of Willesden Lane

The latest play to hit the US Bank Main stage at Portland Center Stage is the April 2 – May 1 2016 run of The Pianist of Willesden Lane. So far, it’s the most emotionally moving play I’ve experienced in Portland. I cannot recommend this play highly enough –  it’s not often theater can be such a powerful, and memorable, experience.

The description for the play reads

Set in Vienna in 1938 and in London during the Blitzkrieg, The Pianist of Willesden Lane tells the true and inspirational story of Lisa Jura, a young Jewish musician whose dreams are interrupted by the Nazi regime. In this poignant show, Grammy-nominated pianist Mona Golabek performs some of the world’s most stunning music as she shares her mother’s riveting true story of survival. Pianist is infused with hope and invokes the life-affirming power of music.

It’s both simple and complicated. The Pianist of Willesden Lane is a daughter telling the story of her young mother during wartime. It’s a connection of love between them you feel from beginning to end of the performance, and you can palpably sense the admiration and respect a daughter has for understanding her mother as a person, not just as a parent. So often parents don’t think to share all the details of their lives to their children, and we’re so fortunate that Lisa not only passed on her stories to Mona, but Mona recognized what a remarkable story it is and how important it is to further share it with the world to not forget the past, and also influence the future.

The Pianist of Willesden Lane is history, but also has parallels and lessons to our current times and about people in general. World War II and the Holocaust may be over, but unsafe and unlivable horrible circumstances, fleeing refugees, and having compassion and reaching out to strangers as a fellow human is still very now.

It’s about loss, and hope, being a survivor, the unsung heroes among everyday people whose small and big kindness and actions can help make a difference in a life.  Most of all, The Pianist of Willesden Lane is about the power of music to be a human lifeline that grounds an individual’s inner storms, connects people effortlessly of all backgrounds, and is timelessly inspirational.

That use of music here is what is most magnificent here and makes this a must see show. As purely a theater performance and story told on stage, it’s certainly adequate, but you are getting essentially a giant bonus where you also receive a classical music concert from a gifted musician.

Pianist of Willesden Lane demonstrates to the audience by taking us along with it to experience it firsthand instead of just telling us about the power of music.  It shows and reminds us the way music has this magic that is universal and can touch you and move you in an indescribable way nothing else can in life.  Even as some of the musical selections may be classics you recognize, the way they are interwoven into this retelling of a memoir presents them in a fresh way emotionally that is impactful and engaging for the entire show. Prepare to be moved.

The Pianist of Willesden Lane Based on the book The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen. Adapted and directed by Hershey Felder. Photo ©mellopix.com At Portland Center Stage April 2 – May 1, 2016

Inspired by her mother’s life, Mona Golabek also established the Hold On To Your Music Foundation to expand awareness and understanding of the ethical implications of world events such as the Holocaust, and the power of the arts, especially music, to embolden the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The Pianist of Willesden Lane at the US Bank Main Stage of Portland Center Stage runs until May 1, 2016. The performance runs for approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. All performances are at the Armory (128 NW 11th Avenue, in the Pearl District). See more details and other ticket specials for groups, students, military, or learn about rush tickets here.

• Tuesday – Sunday 7:30 PM. ($25-69 for adults Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sun, $25-75 for the Fri-Sat evening performances)
• Saturday and Sundays at 2 PM and Thursdays at noon  ($25-58 for adults)

You can enjoy $10 off select tickets using promo code “SOCIAL”. Note that the promotional code valid only on seating areas 1-3 and is not valid on previously purchased tickets, student tickets or in combination with other discounts and is subject to availability. Also be sure to like Portland Center Stage on Facebook as there are additional promotions that are often listed there.

PCS is also still hosting special Social Hour events. These are events that allow you to connect with Portland artists prior to a performance on all Thursdays in April from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (includes a beer or glass of wine on PCS) and the Sundays of April 10, 17 and 24 and May 1 from 1 to 2 p.m. (includes a complimentary mimosa on PCS). The April 7 event features a conversation about the universal language of music and life of a pianist while the April 10 and April 24 events feature Third Angle New Music. You can find out more at the PCS website.

As always, the bar before the show (since there is no intermission) has interesting specialty cocktail choices to select from featuring local ingredients and themed to match the show for your consideration. Don’t feel the pressure to drink it all before going to your seat – you can bring it in with you if it’s in a plastic cup with a lid!

How much do you know the story of your parents before they were parents? If you have children, how will you pass on your stories to them, is there a certain coming of age or turning point you are aware of?

Disclosure: I was invited to see this production, but I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.