BACKSTORY:
The idea for About Clarence and Me was born during Walter Jones’ and Scott Hiltzik’s chance meeting on a bus. Sitting next to each other on the five-hour ride from New York City to Boston in July, 2003, the two writers recognized their shared interests. As New England scenery passed by, Coltrane, classical piano music and theater were discussed, ideas were thrown back and forth, personal stories shared, and by the time the Greyhound arrived at South Station the story was set and their collaboration underway.
Drawing inspiration from Scott’s experiences as a piano teacher and Walter’s childhood in the South, About Clarence and Me portrays the relationship between an elderly African-American beginning piano student and his young White piano teacher. Through a poignant story and a rich assortment of original piano music, About Clarence and Me expresses the commonality of the human experience.
About Clarence and Me had a critically acclaimed premiere at The Theater for The New City’s Dream Up Festival in September 2016. Below are some REVIEWS:
“a touching tribute to the power of both art and friendship across generations and cultural boundaries.”
…”About Clarence and Me” is an impressive and creative outing from Hiltzik and Jones that should certainly make its way back to New York City following the conclusion of the Dream Up Festival.
–www.theaterscene.net
“About Clarence & Me is a feast for piano music lovers.”
