What is detailed is Bernstein’s loving relationship with his wife, whom he left briefly for a homosexual relationship that lasted only one year. Bernstein had told her that the man in question was “his best friend.” Earlier in the piece he had said his wife was his best friend and this cruel statement seems to have been his biggest personal regret.
Musically he regretted that he would mostly be remembered for West Side Story. Felder doesn’t help this much and spends his longest musical section playing Gershwin. I really enjoyed the evening although it seemed less satisfying than his previous ventures, perhaps because there was so little music. Word has it that Felder has a musical in the works, which I eagerly anticipate. Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein plays at the Geffen Playhouse until Dec. 12th.
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