“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”
–William Faulkner
DEDICATION
DEDICATION
Roger Peltzman's one-man performance •
Roger Peltzman's one-man performance •
DEDICATION
SYNOPSIS
New York pianist, Roger Peltzman’s one-person show, Dedication, recounts his family’s tragic history fleeing the Nazis in war-torn Europe using drama, humor, powerful images and musical performances of everything from blues to Chopin.
Drawn into the story of people he never knew, Peltzman develops a “relationship” with his uncle, Norbert Stern, a brilliant pianist who was murdered in Auschwitz at age 21. Learning that Holocaust trauma can be inherited, Peltzman recounts his coming to terms with second generation survivor trauma and the role of music in helping to manage wounds that will never fully heal.
A singular tale from the Holocaust that is at once extraordinary and relatable.
See Trailer for the Play
“Peltzman’s one-hour solo show is put together with such grace, beauty and sorrow that it offers a richly rewarding and thoughtful experience. At key moments during the show, Peltzman takes to the grand piano on stage, and plays like an angel.”
ROGER PELTZMAN
Roger Peltzman is a pianist and teacher in New York City. Among his many public performances, Roger has played to sold out audiences at Carnegie Hall, The Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York's cutting-edge venue—Le Poisson Rouge and various concert venues in Europe. He is also an actor, writer, theater producer and film director. In 2018 he began writing his one-person show Dedication under the tutelage of renowned actor/director Austin Pendleton (Obie winning director).
In August 2022 Dedication made its live theater premier at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival garnering 4 star reviews from critics and overwhelming response from audience members.
Meet Dedication’s Creative Team
REVIEWS FOR DEDICATION
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"When Peltzman concluded a performance I attended by playing Chopin, with great passion and spirit, there was not a dry eye in the audience.”
The Jewish Chronicle
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![Five star review for Roger Peltzman's play DEDICATION, five white five-point stars on a red background.]()
“The combination of story, music, history, and heart is incredibly potent and poignant. An extraordinary story….. powerful and moving. “
The Wee Review
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![Five star review for Roger Peltzman's play DEDICATION, five white five-point stars on a red background.]()
“A beautiful celebration of a lost talent.”
UKTW
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![Five star review for Roger Peltzman's play DEDICATION, five white five-point stars on a red background.]()
“Peltzman’s one-hour solo show is put together with such grace, beauty and sorrow that it offers a richly rewarding and thoughtful experience. At key moments during the show, Peltzman takes to the grand piano on stage, and plays like an angel.”
Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman
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“Throughout the performance, Peltzman’s style of storytelling was captivating and touching. A heartbreaking story.. told beautifully through images and music.”
Theatre Travels
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"An amazing story told with charm, humor and wisdom. And what a theme: the power of music to conquer death."
The Spectator - London
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![Five star review for Roger Peltzman's play DEDICATION, five white five-point stars on a red background.]()
"Intensely moving piece of Storytelling. Partly what makes Dedication such a rewarding 60 minutes is Peltzman's self-effacing charisma. His words brim with soft understated wit....remarkable and riveting."
Reviews Hub - London
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![Five star review for Roger Peltzman's play DEDICATION, five white five-point stars on a red background.]()
"Eye opening...the whole experience is fascinating for many reasons. Roger plays the piano, paces the stage and talks with the confidence of an excellent orator. He has a story to tell and certainly revels in the telling. "
Frost Magazine - London
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![Five star review for Roger Peltzman's play DEDICATION, five white five-point stars on a red background.]()
"Dedication is a rare type of show. It is powerful and moving. Peltzman is a mesmerizing storyteller. See it whilst you can: it is excellent."
Plays to See - London
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![Five star review for Roger Peltzman's play DEDICATION, five white five-point stars on a red background.]()
"A deeply sincere and beautifully displayed evaluation into generational trauma. Seamless...effortless...heartbreaking. "
Adventures in Theatreland
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"There was no doubting the the varied ways it had affected audience members the evening I attended: this is an hour to have one smile, cry and think, often at the same time. "
Seen & Heard International
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"As well as personal detail, Peltzman intersperses his personal tale with beautiful renditions of Chopin and the blues in an uplifting solo portrayal."
Time Out, Budapest
Upcoming Dedication Shows
WHAT INDUSTRY PEOPLE & ACADEMICS ARE SAYING ABOUT DEDICATION
"A rare masterpiece! Should be seen worldwide."
- Seymour Bernstein, pianist and star of Ethan Hawke's film Seymour
“Arresting, beautiful, heart-felt and entertaining. Exquisite.”
- Jim Taylor, Oscar winning screenwriter of Sideways.
“Truly extraordinary!”
- Ulrika Citron, co-chair of USC Shoah Foundation's Next Generation Council.
“So good! Amazing stories! I’d pay good money to see this!”
- Linda Thompson – legendary British vocalist.
See Upcoming Tours & Events
Audience Reviews
Dedication has received funding from:
