NEW YORK – ‘Last Call’ by Peter Danish, directed by Gil Mehmert, had its official opening night on March 16 at New World Stages off Broadway. This impressive new play features dynamic performances and sharp, witty dialogue, capturing the spirit of two of the most renowned figures in classical music of the 20th century, Leonard Bernstein and Herbert Von Karajan, who also happened to be the fiercest of rivals.
As noted on the ‘Last Call’ website: “Their influence transcended music into popular culture, politics, and almost every facet of the modern landscape. Late in their lives these titans of classical music unexpectedly crossed paths one last time. Inspired by true events, ‘Last Call’ takes us to Vienna as both men seek to find common ground through their music and their lives over one last drink.”
With powerhouse performances by the cast, Helen Schneider as Leonard Bernstein, Lucca Züchner as Herbert Von Karajan, and Victor Petersen as Michael, the play is a must see. Petersen, a gifted counter-tenor, is a gem in his supporting role.
For those wondering where the Greek connection is in the play, since most articles in The National Herald have some Greek and/or Cypriot connection, Herbert Von Karajan was apparently of Greek descent with roots in Kozani through his Greek great-great-grandfather George Karagiannis who left Greece for Vienna in 1767.
Another Greek connection is Maria Callas, another towering figure in 20th century classical music, but to say more would require a ‘spoiler alert’.
The director Gil Mehmert, the “Hal Prince of Germany” as playwright Peter Danish calls him in the Playbill, gave the welcoming remarks on opening night. He pointed out that the casting of female actors to portray male historical figures was due in part to the recent biopic on Leonard Bernstein in which many focused only on the actor’s ears and nose rather than on the portrayal of Bernstein’s spirit. Schneider and Züchner are more than capable of the challenge and are remarkable in their roles as they do indeed capture the spirit of these titans of classical music.
Mehmert also noted that the singing (by Petersen) in the play is live and not a recording, referring to some confusion during previews of the show.
The audience on opening night responded enthusiastically to this witty and moving play, a truly enjoyable evening of theatre, and gave an extended standing ovation for the actors and for the playwright and director when they joined the actors for their bows.
The play runs 90 minutes without an intermission and should not be missed.
Tickets and more information are available online: https://lastcalltheplay.com/.
