At 35, Krikler has developed a fine career appearing at the National Theatre and The Old Vic in London, among other venues.
He studied musical theatre at the Stratford-upon-Avon College, followed by the prestigious Laine Theatre Arts and the Central School of Speech and Drama.
He played leading roles in several musical productions, including that of Peter Pan at the Barbican Theatre in London.
In a statement for the press, Krikler said: "I couldn’t be more honoured and excited to be bringing Wladysław’s life to the stage, especially in a way that truly celebrates his own compositions through phenomenal live musicians and orchestrations. As well as being a timely reminder of what happens when we dehumanise a particular section of society, Szpilman’s story demonstrates the true universality and power of music.”
Szpilman’s story has been adapted for the theatre and is directed by Thom Southerland, who told the media that he feels deeply honoured to be bringing it to the stage.
He said: “At its heart is Szpilman’s 's extraordinary journey of survival, but what moves me most is the humanity that shines through the darkest of circumstances. It is a story about compassion, courage, and the moments of kindness that can change the course of a life.”
Southerland added: “In a world that can often feel divided, it reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art to sustain us, connect us, and, at times, save us. I hope audiences are moved not only by what Szpilman endured, but by what he created, and by the enduring belief that even in the darkest moments, humanity and beauty can prevail.”
The production will feature Szpilman's own compositions with new musical arrangements by Simon Lee, Andrew Lloyd-Webber's long time musical director, as well as new lyrics by an international group of writers, including two-time Grammy nominee Carol Connors, acclaimed songwriter David Batteau, jazz singer Wendy Lands and collaborator Jim Gillard, Grammy-nominated Michael Ruff, Szpilman’s son Andreas Szpilman, and award-winning lyricist Marcy Heisler.
A total of eight performances are planned at Park Theatre, from October 15 to November 28.
Before its London opening, the production will play a limited run at Mayflower Studios, Southampton, from September 9 to 12.
The Polish Radio Orchestra in Warsaw was led by conductor Michał Klauza, with pianist Paweł Kowalski performing as the soloist in the Concertino.
Born in 1911, Szpilman studied piano and composition in Warsaw and Berlin. He worked at Polish Radio for four years until September 23, 1939—when he performed Chopin's music live on air for the final time before the station ceased operations due to German bombings.
Szpilman was later forced into the Warsaw Ghetto along with his parents, two sisters and brother—all of whom perished in the Holocaust.
He miraculously survived the hostilities. In the final months of the war, he found shelter in the ruins of Warsaw and survived thanks to help from his Polish friends and German officer Wilm Hosenfeld.
After the war, Szpilman served as director of Polish Radio’s music department for almost two decades. He later founded the Warsaw Piano Quintet.
Władysław Szpilman. Photo: PAP/Stanisław Dąbrowiecki
His compositional output includes some 500 songs, many of which became hits, and several symphonic works.
Szpilman published his wartime memoirs soon after World War II ended, but the book was soon banned by Poland’s Stalinist authorities.
It was republished by Szpilman’s son in 1998, in German and English, and has since been translated into more than 30 languages.
Szpilman’s extraordinary story made into the Oscar-winning film The Pianist, directed by Roman Polanski and starring Adrien Brody.
Szpilman died in 2000 at the age of 88.
(mk/gs)
Source: broadwayworld.com