George Gershwin Alone (2003)

This celebrated one-man play about the legendary American composer who "made a lady out of jazz" broke attendance records last summer and returns this year for three weeks only. George Gershwin Alone is the first in a series of musical-theatrical "imaginations" from actor, playwright, and pianist, Hershey Felder. Mr. Felder spent several years with Gershwin family members, biographers, and surviving intimates, poring over correspondence, original manuscripts, and personal belongings. Once the material had been assembled, Felder "imagined" George Gershwin, the man. Following a workshop attended by the Gershwin heirs, Mr. Felder received their blessing and go-ahead, being the first artist since the death of Gershwin to be allowed to play the composer in a major stage production. Presenting Hershey Felder in an "imagination" with music.