This was a world premiere event. Sansone-Braff was responsible for writing, producing and directing the play, with co-director and co-producer Debi Toni as her musical arranger and lyricist. They incorporated original music that was composed by Ludwig van Beethoven himself.
Michael Brinzer who starred as Beethoven really captured the conscious of the musical genius, and was able to showcase many dimensions to his complex character: his madness, his insights and motives. In the first act, the audience finds him pondering the question “to be or not to be,” after Karl’s suicide attempt, while in the second act, we are introduced to his “Immortal Beloved” Josephine (portrayed by Cindi Sansone-Braff), who is a revelation.
In the play, James Lombardi plays Karl, with Debi Toni as the choir director, along with such vocalists as Jessica Thompson (soprano), Kerri Oman (alto), Christine Weber (soprano), Amanda Peters (alto), while Henry Hortsmann and Peter Muhr proved to be “all about that bass.” Markus DeJong ran the soundboard. Nicholas Yandell and Gary Hammond handled the musical score.
The Verdict
Overall, Cindi Sansone-Braff and her co-producer Debi Toni were able to bring Beethoven back to life for one final bow in Beethoven’s Promethean Concerto in C Minor Without Opus. The irony behind this production is that the play was set 191 years ago (on this exact date) in 1826. It is filled with suspense, drama, mystery and comic relief. The script was well-written, raw and captivating. It is evident that this was a passion project for Sansone-Braff. The entire cast of actors soared as a whole with their pleasant vocals and artistic abilities. This is a production that deserves to be Off-Broadway in Manhattan. Sansone-Braff and Toni tackled a very important historical figure (Beethoven) with zest, sincerity and perspicacity, and they were able to tell his story in a creative and refreshing way. Well done.
To learn more about Cindi Sansone-Braff, check out her official homepage.
Read More: Digital Journal chatted with playwright Cindi Sansone-Braff about her inspiration for this production.
