For half a century, Leonard Bernstein and 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. Inspired by true events, Last Call takes us to Vienna – in the famous Blue Bar of the Hotel Sacher – as both men seek to find common ground through their music and their lives over one last drink.
This production will feature a twist on the beloved composers, with women portraying both Bernstein and Von Karajan. “No one really knows what happened in that room. It’s a fantasy, it’s fiction,” says playwright Peter Danish. “[When writing the play], I did a quick experiment. I did a reading with two actors, friends of mine who were female. After we were done with the reading, we had a talkback and a Q&A. The questions when I had two men [in the roles] were ‘Well, you know he really didn’t sound like [Leonard Bernstein],’ and ‘Karajan had a tough voice.’ But when it was two women, the entire conversation was about the text of the play and not about physical appearances. I knew right then and there we had made the right decision [to cast women].”
Last Call stars Helen Schneider (In Germany: Norma Desmond in the German Sunset Boulevard, Sally Bowles in Cabaret; Eva Peron in Evita) as Bernstein, Lucca Züchner (In Germany: On the Town; Cabaret; Hair) as Von Karajan, and Victor Petersen (In Germany: Tanz der Vampire; The Addams Family; Chicago) as Michael – the waiter.
The play is directed by Gil Mehmert.
The production features an international creative team, including Chris Barreca (Scenic Design), Rene Neumann (Costume Design), Michael Grundner (Lighting Design), Lindsay Jones (Sound Design), Austin Switzer (Video/Projection Design), and Benny Pitt (Assoc. Scenic Design).
The show begins performances on Wednesday, March 12 and plays through Sunday, May 4, 2025 at New World Stages/Stage 5 located at 340 West 50th St, New York, NY. Ticket prices start from just $59. Tickets available now at LastCallThePlay.com.
