Beethoven's musical voice is music for the heart

Beethoven said, "Music should strike a fire from the heart of man and bring tears from the eyes of a woman."

As night sounds rain onto a shadowed stage, a Steinway stands guard before Beethoven's tomb.

Depicting a former student, Hershey Felder interprets the story as Herr Gerhard von Breuning in "Hershey Felder, Beethoven." The captivating journey unfolds at the piano behind the exhumed remains of the maestro Ludwig van Beethoven. Felder's musical interpretation is a quiet journey as he shares the fascinating life of this genius.

Extracted from two unsent letters written in Beethoven's hand, Felder describes the troubled life of one of the world's finest composers.

The first letter is to Beethoven's brothers, Karl and Johann, the second letter to an undisclosed lady.

Suitably attired in period coat, Felder caresses the piano as he extracts Beethoven's gift from the keys.

Ludwig van Beethoven's life and music are demonstrated through heart gripping examples of his enormous talent.

Slowly losing his ability to hear, it is suggested the celebrated composer must have written from the memory of sound. It is believed he was completely deaf at the end of his short life.

Fascinating. Splendid. The seemingly short 90-minute performance will grip the heart and inspire a tear while adding joy to any day.

"Hershey Felder, Beethoven" is now playing at the Lyceum Theatre at 79 Horton Plaza in San Diego until March 25. Parking at the Horton Plaza is available at a reduced rate of $8 when taking the parking ticket into the Lyceum Theatre lobby and having it stamped for validation. Parking at the garage across the street is $10. To order tickets, call the box office, (619) 544-1000, or visit http://www.SDREP.org.

For musicality, performance and overall happiness this show is rated 10 out of 10.

Next at San Diego Rep is the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama "Sweat," opening April 18.

Theater is alive and brisk here in the county. Current and upcoming shows include the preview performances of the world premiere "Diana" at La Jolla Playhouse, opening later in the month. For tickets, call (619) 858-1010 or visit http://www.lajollaplayers.org.

In their fourth season, Backyard Renaissances Theatre Company, under the La Jolla Playhouse umbrella, is opening at the Moxie with "Mr. & Mrs. Fitch," a wickedly witty urbane comedy about fake news, March 30. For more information, visit http://www.backyardrenaissance.com.

North Coast Repertory is running the brilliant and not to be missed drama, "Gabriel," in Solana Beach until March 17 followed by the comedy "All In the Timing;" for tickets, call (858) 481-1055 or visit http://www.northcoastrep.org.

The Old Globe's "Tiny Beautiful Things" runs until March 17 followed by the U. S. premier opening of the new musical "Life After" opening March 22. "They Promised Her the Moon" starts April 6; call (619) 234-5623 or visit http://www.TheOldGlobe.org.

Lambs Players in Coronado has extended "A Jewel in the Crown" causing Monty Python's "Chaps" to be delayed until March 16. For more information, call (619) 437-6000 or visit http://www.lambsplayers.org.

There is still time to see San Diego Musical Theatre's "Crazy for You," closing March 3. "Sister Act" opens April 26. For tickets, call (858) 560-5740 or visit http://www.SDMT.org.

"Smokey Joe's Cafe" has a few seats until March 17. Coming next is "Little Shop of Horrors," (760) 433-3245 or http://www.newvillagearts.org.

The Cygnet opens "Angels in America," March 6; call (619) 337-1525 or visit http://www.cygnettheatre.org.

"Aladdin" runs until March 3, followed by "Cats," April 16, at the Civic Theatre. Broadway San Diego can be reached at (619) 570-1100 or http://www.broadwaysd.com.

Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal can be reached at [email protected].