The Pianist of Willesden Lane
- Previews are Apr. 2-7 | Opening night Apr. 8
- Based on the book "The Children of Willesden Lane" by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen
- Adapted and directed by Hershey Felder
JUMP TO: Dates, Run Time, Playbill, & More
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 by composers such as Beethoven, Bach and Chopin, while sharing her mother’s riveting true story of survival. Pianist is infused with hope and invokes the life-affirming power of music.
Run Time:
Approximately 90 minutes; no intermission.
General Performance Times:
Evenings: Tuesday - Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
Matinees: Saturday and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Thursdays at noon
View the season calendar.
Who’s Who:
View the cast and creative team bios.
Playbill:
Explore the playbill.
Note:
The Pianist of Willesden Lane is recommended for ages 12+. Children under 6 are not permitted at any PCS production.
Resource Guide:
Download resource guide (PDF)
More About This Production
Local Reviews for "The Pianist of Willesden Lane"
“DO NOT MISS this show!!!” ---> Audiences and critics are loving The Pianist of Willesden Lane.
What People Are Saying
A Resonant Tale of Survival
“Mona Golabek essentially channels her mother, pianist Lisa Jura, and strikes musical and emotional notes that transcend technical display or biographical sentiment. This elegant, heartfelt solo show ... is an arresting, deeply affecting triumph.” –Los Angeles Times
Deeply Affecting
“[The Pianist of Willesden Lane] tells the remarkable story of Lisa’s years in wartime London with an economy of means and a simplicity that only enhance the emotional effect ... it’s the kind of tale that would probably seem melodramatic if it were fiction. –The New York Times
An Uplifting Story of Extraordinary Love
“The Pianist of Willesden Lane is a deeply moving account of a talented musician who survived against the odds ... Mona Golabek plays some of the world's most loved piano music (Mozart, Bach, Beethoven et al) ... Golabek is both a mesmerizing storyteller and a hugely talented pianist.” –Londonist
Deeply Stirring
“Pianist is a stirring case of art preserving life ... Golabek sitting down at the Steinway piano ... is enough to make your mouth fall open with a certain wonder at the way of the world.” –Chicago Tribune
How Music Nurtures the Soul
“If you're looking for an extremely poignant evening of substantive musical theatre, I can't recommend The Pianist of Willesden Lane strongly enough.” –The Huffington Post
Riveting
“No one can doubt the importance of the arts to human dignity and endurance after seeing The Pianist of Willesden Lane ... What makes Pianist so moving is Golabek's superb skills as both storyteller — she reenacts every role — and as an acclaimed pianist ... an excellent, deeply moving tribute.” –The Huffington Post
A Powerful Evening in the Theatre
“The Pianist of Willesden Lane is grippingly wrenching almost past endurance ... Praise is superfluous for a performance like this. Golabek strikes a chord — literally so — that turns viewers not only speechless but at times veritably breathless.” –The Huffington Post
Current & Upcoming
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Join veteran actor Joe Costa for a unique opportunity to take a “deep dive” into both Shakespeare’s text of Twelfth Night, and the PCS Production. Participants will read the play out loud as a group, with “intermissions” provided for lively discussion of themes and content. Interested participants will have a chance to act in selected scenes, guided by the instructor.
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Celebrate this holiday season with A Brown Branch Christmas at Portland Center Stage. Now in its fourth season, this two-night big band celebration features directors Domo Branch and Charlie Brown III guiding a heavy 15-piece lineup of regional and national musicians.
BIPOC Affinity Night DJ Party with ALoSo
Join us for a double feature BIPOC Affinity Night, featuring a live DJ set by ALoSo, plus holiday craft market vendor tables, art exhibits by Albina Music Trust Wall to Wall Sound and Jason Hill's Favorite Things, with complimentary select drinks provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Deschutes Brewery while supplies last.
Winter Teen Academy: Scene Work
Calling all teens! Are you looking to expand your acting skills and be the best scene partner you can be for your fellow actors? In this class, we will dig deep into scene study, character motivation, and active listening, while learning the necessary questions to ask in every rehearsal situation. You'll develop fuller characters and deeper relationships on stage by partnering in scene work — and have lots of fun too!
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Production Sponsors
2015–2016 Season Supporting Sponsors
