In “The Music Critic,” writer and composer Aleksey Igudesman fuses the sardonic and straight-faced humor for which actor John Malkovich is renowned with the slapstick and out-of-the-box zaniness of renowned comic duo Igudesman & Joo. Igudesman, who is joined on the tour by longtime collaborator pianist Hyung-ki Joo, is determined to avenge some of the most brilliant pieces of music which were railed and reviled by critics at their premieres.
Legendary actor John Malkovich performs in this evening-length show where he batters, insults, and laughs at the music of composers like Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, Schumann, and more, whose works premiered to jeers and negative press for performers and composer alike. In addition to Aleksey Igudesman and Hyung-ki Joo, they are joined by cellist Antonio Lysy, violist Hsin-Yun Huang, and violinist Claire Wells.
John Malkovich says, “I have always loved the opportunity to collaborate on The Music Critic with Aleksey Igudesman, Hyung-ki Joo, and many other gifted and thoughtful musicians. We are all happy to be back on the road, and for the first time also in the USA, participating in an evening that consists of some of the greatest compositions in the history of classical music, paired with the perhaps rather unexpected initial reactions those compositions elicited from some of the world’s renowned music critics, along with some other surprises.”
Aleksey Igudesman says, “The Music Critic is a project very close to my heart, and bringing it to the USA is something I dreamed of from its inception. My dear friend John Malkovich in the role of the evil critic, is despicable and lovable at the same time and evokes the critic in every one of us.”
Tanja Dorn, Principal of Dorn Music, which is exclusively managing and booking the tour, says, “We are thrilled to finally be bringing this insightful and hilarious show to audiences in the United States. Aleksey and John have created a brilliantly witty and creative evening of comedy and music making.”
Tour Schedule:
• Benaroya Hall, Seattle, WA – October 17, 2023
Presented by the Seattle Symphony
• Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles, CA – October 20, 2023
Presented by Live Nation
• Majestic Theater, Dallas, Texas – October 21, 2023
Presented by AT&T Performing Arts Center
• Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, San Antonio, Texas – October 22, 2023
Presented by Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
• Long Center for the Performing Arts, Austin, Texas – October 23, 2023
Presented by Long Center for the Performing Arts
• Filmore Theatre, Detroit, MI – October 25, 2023
Presented by Live Nation
• Chicago Theatre, Chicago IL – October 26, 2023
Presented by Live Nation
• The Beacon Theatre, New York, NY – October 28, 2023
Presented by Live Nation
• US Premiere of The Music Critic at the Symphony – with the Oregon Symphony
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, OR – June 12, 2024
Presented by the Oregon Symphony.
