After a sold-out run at the Kennedy Center, Grammy®-nominated pianist Mona Golabek makes her triumphant return in one of the most powerful performances in Theater J’s history. Set in Vienna in 1938 and in London during the Blitzkrieg, The Pianist of Willesden Lane tells the true and inspiring story of Lisa Jura, a young Jewish pianist whose dream of making her concert debut is dashed by the onset of World War II. Despite devastating personal loss, Jura endures through her music and pursues her dreams. Performed by Jura’s real-life daughter, the virtuosic Mona Golabek, The Pianist of Willesden Lane combines enthralling story telling with breathtaking live performances of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and more.

Join this 50-minute virtual, theatrical performance based on the best-selling book, The Children of Willesden Lane. Author, performer and virtuoso concert pianist Mona Golabek offers uplifting messages of resilience and hope for students at a time when they most need it.
Watch this three-minute video to see how the program has reached students around the world.

Join thousands of grade 6-8 students across Canada for the once-in-a-lifetime
Canadian Premiere of Willesden READS!
Register today for this 50-minute FREE live theatrical performance or livestreaming based on the best-selling book, The Children of Willesden Lane, which tells the story of the power of music and how one teenage refugee, Lisa Jura, held onto her dreams, survived the Holocaust and inspired a generation. Lisa’s daughter, author, performer and virtuoso concert pianist Mona Golabek, offers uplifting messages of resilience and hope for students at a time when they most need it.