(Experience Magazine) — New York City, New York — The highly anticipated premiere of Last Call, a compelling new play by Peter Danish, will take place at New World Stages, Stage 5 (340 W. 50th Street, New York, NY 10019) on March 12, with a grand opening night scheduled for March 16. This production, brought to life by producers Frank Blase and Marc Schneider in association with apiro Entertainment, will run for a limited engagement through May 4.
Last Call delves into the fascinating lives of two of the most renowned figures in classical music history: American conductor Leonard Bernstein and Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan. For over fifty years, these musical giants were not only celebrated figures in the classical music scene but also fierce rivals whose legacies have left an indelible mark on culture and society. The play ingeniously portrays their unexpected final encounter at the Sacher Hotel in Vienna, where they grapple with their pasts and seek common ground over one last drink. Blending storytelling with music, Last Call offers a unique glimpse into the complex psyches of these titans.
Herbert von Karajan, who served as the principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic for an impressive 34 years, played a pivotal role in establishing the London Philharmonia Orchestra in 1948. Although his affiliation with the Nazi Party from 1933 to 1942 cast a shadow over his career, he was later exonerated by an Allied tribunal after World War II. Conversely, Leonard Bernstein, a Jewish-American conductor, made his New York Philharmonic debut in 1943 and went on to create timeless scores for musicals such as On the Town, West Side Story, and Candide.
In a fascinating casting choice, the roles of Bernstein and von Karajan will be portrayed by two of Germany’s leading actresses. American-born Helen Schneider, known for her roles in the German productions of Sunset Boulevard and Cabaret, will take on the role of Bernstein, while Lucca Züchner, celebrated for her performances in On the Town and Hair, will embody von Karajan. The cast also features Victor Petersen as Michael, the waiter.
Directed by Gil Mehmert, Last Call boasts an impressive creative team, including scenic design by Chris Barreca (Broadway: Rocky), costume design by Renè Neumann (Germany: The Last Five Years), lighting design by Michael Grundner (Germany: Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1912), original music and sound design by Lindsay Jones (Broadway: Slave Play), and video and projection design by Austin Switser (Broadway: Frozen). The production is general managed by Perry Street Theatricals, with Martin Platt serving as the executive producer.
The inspiration for Last Call came to Danish during a visit to Vienna, where he encountered a waiter who shared a remarkable story about Bernstein and von Karajan crossing paths at the Sacher Hotel. This encounter, along with Bernstein’s letters, sparked Danish’s creative vision for the play.
Tickets for Last Call are priced between $56 and $119 and can be purchased at www.LastCallThePlay.com or by calling Telecharge at (212) 239-6200. Performance schedule includes Wednesdays at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Thursdays at 7:00 PM, Fridays at 8:00 PM, Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 3:00 PM. Don’t miss this extraordinary theatrical experience that promises to resonate with audiences as it explores the intersection of music, rivalry, and humanity.
