Fringe 2025 Top 11 to 20 - #17 - Songs Without Words (or, The Mendelssohn Play) - Jennifer Vosters

One of the many things I go to the Fringe for each year is new plays.

And this one sounds like a doozy, as well as a great solo showcase for the playwright/actress that racked up a lot of awards last year on the Fringe circuit - and now it arrives in Minneapolis.  So I’m naturally drawn to a production like this.  (I often say I’m not much for plays about artists, particularly writers, but this may be one of those exceptions, largely because it’s about music instead, and looks like it’s about the people as much as the art, and that balance can get me through.)

Songs Without Words (or, The Mendelssohn Play)
Jennifer Vosters
Venue: Rarig Xperimental

Show Description:
This award-winning solo performance grapples gender, genius, and family in the extraordinary true story of sibling composers Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, two very different artists sharing one artistic soul.

You may have heard of the great composer F. Mendelssohn. You may not have heard that there were two. Equally talented siblings Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn were each other's chief supporters and best friends. But under the constraints of an unforgiving world, there was only room for one to be great. Songs Without Words is the funny, tragic, and heartfelt story of one artistic soul inhabiting two very different artists. Featuring a solo actor's tour-de-force performance as both Fanny and Felix, Songs Without Words wrestles enduring questions of gender and genius, family and fame, siblinghood and the power of art. 

Songs Without Words (or The Mendelssohn Play) is an award-winning solo play by Jennifer Vosters, featuring her tour-de-force performance as composers Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn. No classical music knowledge required! As the 21st century gives Fanny Mendelssohn her overdue spotlight, from documentaries to concert halls, take an hour to get to know her and her famous brother, up close and personal. Perfect for siblings, history lovers, music buffs, and anyone craving some catharsis. 

Songs Without Words won:
American Theatre Critics Association’s Osborn New Play Award in 2024 
as well as 
Critics' Pick (Cincy Fringe, 2024)
Pick of the Fringe & Audience Favorite (Green Bay Fringe, 2024)
Best International Show (Saskatoon Fringe, 2024).
 
Genre & Content: Drama, Solo Show, Historical Content
Warnings: Adult Language

 

Here’s some handy links to my Fringe Top 10, Top 11 to 20 and Returning Favorites lists for this year, as well as all the coverage of this year’s Minnesota Fringe Festival.