Hershey Felder’s theatrical masterpiece, ‘Rachmaninoff and the Tsar‘ is mesmerizing at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, CA.
Jonathan Silvestri (Tsar Nicholas II) and Hershey Felder (Sergei Rachmaninoff) in ‘Rachmaninoff and the Tsar’ from now through March 2, 2025 at South Coast Repertory. Photo by Stefano Decarli.
Hershey Felder’s latest theatrical masterpiece, ‘Rachmaninoff and the Tsar‘, is a breathtaking exploration of love, loss, and longing set against the backdrop of Tsarist Russia’s tragic fall at South Coast Repertory. Felder’s extraordinary portrayal of the legendary composer Sergei Rachmaninoff is nothing short of mesmerizing, complemented by Jonathan Silvestri’s deeply moving performance as Tsar Nicholas II. Together, the two men breathe life into the soul of a nation that once was, transporting the audience into a world of profound emotional depth.
From the moment ‘Rachmaninoff and the Tsar‘ began, I was utterly captivated by the delicate, yet powerful chemistry between Felder and Silvestri. Their interaction was so intimate, so seamless, that it felt as if we, the audience, were eavesdropping on a private conversation between two of history’s most complex figures. Felder’s Rachmaninoff is a man torn between the splendor of his past and the painful reality of exile, while Silvestri’s Nicholas II, now canonized as a saint by the Russian Orthodox Church, grapples with his divine mandate and the consequences of his failures as a ruler. Their nuanced performances, so rich in emotional complexity, left me hanging on every word, every gesture.
The divide between the White and Red Russians is a theme subtly but powerfully woven into the narrative. Felder’s Rachmaninoff, having fled Russia during the 1917 revolution, carries with him the heartbreak of a homeland that no longer exists. This divide was echoed in a striking personal reflection of mine—remembering how, in San Francisco, two Russian Orthodox parishes existed on opposite sides of town, one loyal to the Tsarist monarchy (White Russians) and the other persecuted by Bolsheviks (Red Russians) feeling betrayed by their counterparts. These two factions, entrenched in their bitter divide, never once crossed paths, even within the sanctuary of their own faith. The play brought this historical divide to life, resonating with the deeply felt schism between the old Russia and the new, between Tsarist loyalty and revolutionary fervor.
Hershey Felder (Sergei Rachmaninoff) and Jonathan Silvestri (Tsar Nicholas II) in ‘Rachmaninoff and the Tsar’ from now through March 2, 2025 at South Coast Repertory. Photo by Stefano Decarli.
What deepened the experience was my exploration of the Romanovs’ canonization by Patriarch Alexy II in the year 2000. As a member of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch and having served once with our now reposed Patriarch Ignatius IV in that same year, I was perplexed to see this deeply controversial decision unfold before me. While the Romanovs’ suffering and tragic demise at the hands of revolutionaries was undeniable, I found myself grappling with the notion of identifying Tsar Nicholas II and his family as saints, despite their political missteps that contributed to the fall of Russia. The canonization of the Romanovs as martyrs created a profound moral tension for many, and this spiritual conflict within myself added to my examination within the performance, offering no easy answers but inviting deep reflection on faith, leadership, and the consequences of political decisions.
Their performances were so mesmerizing that I found myself wishing for more—another half hour would have been perfect, something I rarely say after any play or movie. Felder and Silvestri’s powerful portrayal left me with a profound sense of admiration for their craft and a deep longing for the emotional journey they took us on. As I drove home, I found myself playing Rachmaninoff’s music, reconnecting with the genius of the composer in a way that only his music could encapsulate.
To add to the experience, the post-performance talkback was an enlightening opportunity for the audience to ask questions and gain clarity on moments that may have been missed or needed further context. The open exchange of ideas enriched the overall experience, providing deeper insight into the historical and emotional layers of the performance.
Hershey Felder and Jonathan Silvestri have created something truly special with this performance—one that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever experienced the aching beauty of loss, the haunting grip of history, and the power of art to transcend time. A must-see, five stars without question.
‘Rachmaninoff and the Tsar‘ runs from now through March 2, 2025 at South Coast Repertory.
To purchase tickets for ‘Rachmaninoff and the Tsar‘ visit: www.scr.org.
South Coast Repertory is located at:
655 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92628
Summary
‘Rachmaninoff and the Tsar‘ at South Coast Repertory holds your attention from the first line uttered, to the final note played.
