Two Musical Legends. One Last Drink.
Join Wagner Society of New York members for a performance of the new play, “Last Call,” inspired by the final meeting of Herbert von Karajan and Leonard Bernstein.
“For half a century, American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein and Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan were the world’s most celebrated figures in classical music – and the fiercest of rivals. 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 at the Sacher Hotel in Vienna. Inspired by true events, Last Call brings us to this meeting as both men struggle to find common ground through their music and their lives over one last drink. The play mixes storytelling and music, giving audience members a glimpse into the complex minds of these two music titans.”
Bernstein and von Karajan are played by two of Germany’s leading actresses, American-born Helen Schneider (Norma Desmond in the German Sunset Boulevard, Sally Bowles in the German Cabaret) as Bernstein and Lucca Züchner (On the Town, Cabaret) as von Karajan. Author Peter Danish is a best-selling playwright, filmmaker, and composer. Full information online here. The performance lasts 90 minutes with no intermission.
Tickets: Our block of tickets – prime seating at a 15% discount – is for the Friday, March 21 8:00 p.m. performance and includes a special, private post-performance ‘talkback’ with the creative team. Physical tickets will be mailed to the address provided at checkout.
Venue & Accessibility: New World Stages, 340 W 50th St. between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. There are no steps to the box office. There is an elevator and an escalator providing access from the box office lobby to the orchestra and mezzanine levels of the theatre. Wheelchair or transfer seats (aisle seat with folding armrest) available upon request. Full accessibility information online here.