Fanny, A Fantasy in G

Fanny, A Fantasy in G
Off-Brand Opera
Gural Theatre, A.R.T New York
March 27, 2026 

Photo courtesy of Off-Brand Opera

Off-Brand Opera’s production of Fanny, A Fantasy in G is an inspired telling of the life of Fanny Mendelssohn.  Playwright Tim McGillicuddy creates vibrant characters living in the strict, structured society of Berlin, Germany in the 19^th century.  Being a wealthy family of Jewish descent, the Mendelssohn family had influence and connection, yet quickly fell to hard times.  Director George Abud focuses on the compelling relationships within the family to give this story humanity amid intense social expectation. 

The opening moment of the play is breathtaking.  Fanny Mendelssohn (played by Annalisa Chamberlin) is standing at the piano with her quill in hand, composing.  She gestures to the heavens, then the Muse (played by Melody Fader) plays the notes on the piano that Fanny is channeling.  This is immediately followed by the sound of aggressive, political discourse from outside the house.  These images set up both the inspiration that drives the characters and the conflict that propels the story. 

Annalisa Chamberlin, Melody Fader, & Zaq Latino
Photo courtesy of Off-Brand Opera

Fanny spends most of her time composing at the piano while her brother, Felix (played by Zaq Latino), who is also a musician, gets most of the credit for her work.  German society, at this time, does not permit a woman to compose music.  Fanny becomes aware of the charitable work her father, Abraham (played by Rufus Collins), does to support the families living in the Jewish ghetto.  As she involves herself with this cause, she becomes aware that the economic/political situation is more complex than her family’s wealth can solve.  Fanny’s mother, Lea (played by Una Clancy) insists that she consider marriage.  She gives in to her mother’s pressure on the condition that Wilhelm Hensel (played by Daniel David Stewart) be considered for her husband.  Her parents agree to her demand, in spite of the fact that Wilhelm is an artist of meager means.  Fanny spends her life trying to balance her music with society’s expectation, only to lose all her composition manuscripts when she puts her trust in the wrong people. 

Annalisa Chamberlin, Ava Delaney, Zaq Latino, & Melody Fader
Phto courtesy of Off-Brand Opera

Annalisa Chamberlin portrays Fanny Mendelssohn as passionate and childlike.  She is exuberant and enthusiastic, finding joy in her music, her family, and her marriage.  It is this energy that drives the action of the story.  The audience follows her as she persists in her endeavors, unaffected by problems and defying all obstacles.  Ms. Chamberlin creates endearing relationships with Zaq Latino and Ava Delaney, who play her brother, Felix, and her sister, Becka.  Their bond is genuine and solid.  Una Clancy delivers a strong performance as Lea Mendelssohn, the matriarch of the family.  She keeps them united and safe, while constantly reminding them of the sacrifices they need to make to maintain their social status.

Jack Ducat, Alan Kelly, Rebecca Rand, Joseph Pyfferoen,
Kelsey McClarnon, & Zaq Latino
Photo courtesy of Off-Brand Opera

Adam LaSalle plays Landstreiker, a wealthy and influential banker.  Kelsey McClarnon plays Lamond, a self-centered music publisher.  These two characters heighten the conflict of the story by representing the business and financial environment that impact the Mendelssohn family.  The third element of the outside force is poet and artist, Heinrich Heine (played by Joseph Pyfferoen).  Mr. Pyfferoen brings warmth and sensitivity to this role, yet forcefully stands up for Fanny when needed.   

The costumes, designed by Raul Luna, beautifully set the time period and formal atmosphere.  Henry Pedersen’s scenic design is simply done and appropriately focuses all the attention on the baby grand piano on a turntable in the center of the stage.

Fanny, A Fantasy in G is playing at the Gural Theatre at A.R.T/NY (502 W. 53 St.) through April 12, then transfers to the Liederkranz Club (6 E. 87 St.) from April 15 – 19. 

Domenick Danza