The Morini Strad

Inspired by the true story of concert violinist Erica Morini and her legendary Stradivarius violin, THE MORINI STRAD is a delicate duet between Erica, a difficult former child prodigy, and Brian, a stubbornly independent violin maker she hires to restore and then sell her beloved Strad. As Brian makes the arrangements, the question of what will become of the priceless instrument threatens to destroy their unexpected friendship. Through classical music and fiery confrontations, Brian and Erica must face the choices they've made about their music and their lives. "In its elegant West Coast premiere, Willy Holtzman's fact-based drama about virtuoso Erica Morini and the instrument she yearns to restore traces a moving reverie on classical mastery, the realities of aging and the cost of artistic ambition. Morini (1904-1995), considered by many observers to be the sine qua non of her profession, was a child prodigy who attacked the violin with a force that hitherto was the domain of male counterparts. Her decline, and the mystery surrounding her 1727 Davidoff Stradivarius, forms the content of Holtzman's two-hander." -David C Nichols, Los Angeles Times "A lovely theatrical chamber piece that's ... expertly written. THE MORINI STRAD hits all the right notes." -Frank Scheck, New York Post "Every so often, if you're lucky, you get to experience a perfect show ... I did. THE MORINI STRAD is a brilliant script. The script by playwright Willy Holtzman is layered with sharp dialogue, surprising wit and thought provoking inspiration. He writes like a life coach who teaches us lessons about understanding and (dis)trust, reminding us of all the roads not taken and sacrifices made. THE MORINI STRAD is a must-see " -Michael J Tobin, Portland Daily Sun