Daily Herald - Recommended
"...Still, “Monsieur Chopin” — one of the many tributes to master composers Felder has created over nearly three decades — is as enjoyable today as it was 19 years ago when he introduced it to Chicago. A competent actor, Felder plays Chopin, who died at age 39, as a charmingly vulnerable genius prone to melancholy who valued art over fame. The latter is evidenced by his dismissal of pyrotechnics employed by his rival, Hungarian composer/pianist Franz Liszt (the subject of several funny, not entirely unfriendly asides)."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...Now Writers Theatre has brought Felder’s Monsieur Chopin (directed by Joel Zwick) back in a stylish and mostly absorbing production. If it doesn’t break a lot of new narrative ground, this solo bio-musical does provide a master lesson on Chopin’s life and music. The conceit is that the audience are students, and Felder’s Chopin is here to show us how his work drew upon his Polish heritage (including his famous polonaises), and to tell us “Music is what reminds us that we are human.”"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...It has been a while since Chicago audiences have had an opportunity to see Hershey Felder, “Live” on one of our stages. Before Covid, we were able to witness him doing his one-man biographies at The Royal George Theatre on Halsted ( now closed forever, it appears). During Covid, while he was in Europe, he brought us many special productions via zoom and the internet. The series was called “Live From Florence” and they were masterful productions. Now, he is back on a Chicago area stage, and to be honest Writers Theatre may be the perfect venue for all of his productions."
WTTW - Highly Recommended
"...If you happen to be looking for a synonym to the word “polymath” you are sure to find its very best definition by heading straight to Writers Theatre in Glencoe. That is where the exceptionally multi-talented Hershey Felder is lighting up the stage with his altogether remarkable, nearly two-hour performance of “Monsieur Chopin, A Play With Music.”"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Filled with a melange of captivating comedy as well as moments of passionate pathos, the Maestro gently weaves his way into the hearts of the audience, his students, even providing time for questions. Explaining his improvisational style for creating music, Chopin details the highlights of his short life, while dazzling the audience with the master's profound and affecting piano compositions. Get ready, because this music lesson overflows with heart."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...If you appreciate classical music and captivating stories about brilliant artists from the past, Hershey Felder’s one-man show, Monsieur Chopin: A Play with Music, is an absolute delight. Felder, an accomplished pianist and composer, has previously wowed audiences with his portrayals of the magnificent music and talents of Irving Berlin and George Gershwin. Now, he turns his attention to the prodigious Polish composer, Fryderyk Chopin, and the result is equally compelling."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended
"...Hershey Felder, a highly skilled pianist and performer does become Chopin to take audiences through the composers' short but momentous life. But to call what is on stage "a play with music" hardly does justice to Felder's amazing dexterity at the piano and his ability to enthrall audiences with his interpretation of Chopin' musical compositions and tragic life."
Life and Times - Highly Recommended
"...Felder’s flawless delivery of the script comes from years of detailed work, having presented the work previously Off-Broadway and regionally around the country. Felder, in fact, wrote the script based on immense research. Every scripted word comes from quotes Chopin was known to have made or the observations of his most intimate friends."
Evanston Roundtable - Highly Recommended
"...Felder’s Chopin concert on its own would be enough without any drama. But the storytelling and Felder’s insights into Chopin are the extra touch. It is a reenacted biography that enhances a wonderful concert."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Felder does not perform often in Chicago, so this is a rare opportunity to experience his brilliance on stage."