Harpist Rita Costanzi returns to the New York stage in the world premiere of “Woman on a Ledge,” based on Costanzi’s memoir and adapted by Hershey Felder. Directed by Lissa Moira, the show will run November 7–24 at Theater for the New City in New York.
According to a press release, the premiere of “Woman on a Ledge” likely marks the first time any classical harpist has acted solo in a full-length, autobiographical dramatic play. Costanzi acts out her own life story through both spoken word and musical expression on the harp (including excerpts by Debussy, Puccini, Paganini, Bach, Gounod, Liszt, and Albinoni, as well as traditional Irish and Scottish folk songs). This drama explores the vulnerabilities experienced by a female musician torn between the needs of herself as an artist versus those of her role as wife and mother, touching on “the most universal themes of life, love, art, devotion, conflict and loss.”
Costanzi says the show is many years in the making. “I am so excited to be performing a 12-show run Off-Off Broadway in November, bringing classical harp to audiences who will never attend a recital!” she says.
Performances will run November 7–24, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults ($15 for students and seniors) and are available online.
Costanzi’s many roles include classical harp soloist, teacher, actor, and writer. Formerly principal harp of the Vancouver Symphony and CBC Radio Orchestra, she relocated to New York City in 2007 and worked with Hal Prince’s associate, Arthur Masella, on a one-woman show with harp that was presented in New York, Canada, Australia and Brazil. Her latest CD, Amoroso (2023), streamed two million times in its inaugural year and earned a 10-star review from Harp Column’s recording reviewer Alison Young.
Learn more about Costanzi’s career in our article from the May/June 2016 issue of Harp Column. For more information, visit her website.
