Alisa Weilerstein (photo by Evelyn Freja)
The Harriman-Jewell Series opens its 2026–27 season with two remarkable performances at the Folly Theater, each showcasing artists of international stature: Cellist Alisa Weilerstein and pianist Inon Barnatan are in recital on October 9 and renowned actor Patrick Page will bring his one-man show, All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain, for two performances November 5 and 6.
Weilerstein and Barnatan are celebrated figures in classical music, admired for their virtuosity and interpretive depth. Weilerstein, a MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient, has been praised for her passionate performances and probing musical intellect. Barnatan, known for his poetic touch and adventurous programming, has collaborated with leading orchestras worldwide.
Clark Morris, Artistic Director of the Harriman-Jewell Series, calls their appearance “a thrilling way to begin the season.”
“We love to bring back favorites, but we also love to introduce Kansas City audiences to artists who’ve never been here before,” he said. “Alisa Weilerstein and Inon Barnatan are titans of their genres, and this is our first chance to present them.”
Weilerstein’s musical pedigree is extraordinary. Her father, Donald Weilerstein, was the founding violinist of the Cleveland Quartet; her mother, Vivian, is a distinguished pianist; her brother is a conductor and violinist. She herself made her debut with the Cleveland Orchestra at age 13.
Barnatan, meanwhile, has been hailed by The New York Times as “a pianist of uncommon sensitivity.” His collaborations with Weilerstein have been widely acclaimed, including their recording of Beethoven and Rachmaninoff sonatas. Their Kansas City recital promises a program of depth and brilliance.
The Folly Theater will also host actor Patrick Page in his one-man show All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain on November 5 and 6. Page, renowned for his resonant bass voice and commanding stage presence, has created an award-winning performance that explores Shakespeare’s most notorious villains through monologue and commentary.
Morris emphasizes the Harriman-Jewell Series’ theatrical roots: “Our founder Richard Harriman was a Shakespeare scholar,” he said. “Theater was his first love, and we presented companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company and The Acting Company, but Kansas City now has a thriving theater scene. Occasionally, however, something extraordinary comes along. Patrick Page’s show is exactly that.”
Page’s career spans Broadway and beyond. He originated the role of Hades in Hadestown, earning acclaim for his darkly charismatic performance. He has also portrayed Scar in The Lion King, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, and countless other roles. His voice is instantly recognizable, a deep timbre that has become a signature.
Beyond acting, Page’s talents are eclectic. As a teenager, he won a national award as “Magician of the Year.” He was twice named national speaker of the year in high school forensics. “Stagecraft and presentation have always been in his bones,” Morris said. “This show is intimate, and we’re presenting it over two nights because we know it will sell out.”
In All the Devils Are Here, Page not only performs Shakespeare’s villainous monologues but also provides context, guiding audiences through the psychology and theatrical power of these characters. It is a rare chance to see one of America’s great classical actors in an intimate setting.
For more information, visit www.hjseries.org.
