'Under the Ice of the Vistula': A drama about love, music, and catastrophe on the eve of the Holocaust to be shown in New York

In February 2026, the West End Theatre (263 W 86th Street, New York) will present the musical drama Beneath the Ice of the Vistula, a performance that is already being called one of the most poignant and unusual events of the Off-Broadway season.

The premiere will take place on February 12 at 19:00 PM, and performances will continue until February 28. There will be only 16 performances. Book your tickets nowso you don't miss your chance to see one of the best shows of the theatre season!

The drama unfolds in Warsaw in September 1939. Jewish composer Adam Kobylański locks himself in his apartment to complete his life's work—a suite for solo cello. Outside, Hitler's invasion looms, and inside, feverish dreams haunt him, haunted by the spirits of Mozart, Gluck, and Ravel. Rather than inspire, they mock him, arguing over notes and forcing him to rethink his work.

The only connection to the outside world is the cook, Lydia, who gradually becomes much more than just a servant. A forbidden passion flares between them, a conflict of faith, identity, and the meaning of art on the brink of disaster.

What makes this musical special:

• Original music for cello by renowned composer Inessa Zaretskaya—the cello literally becomes a character, conveying Adam's inner rift, melancholy, and resilience.
• Three brilliant actors: three-time Emmy winner Cady McClain as Lydia Mazurik, and Lev Grzhenko and Roman Freud (who is also the author of the play), alternating as Adam Kobylyansky.
• The role of the composers' spirits is played by Brad Fryman, who performs virtuoso impersonations of Mozart, Gluck and Ravel.
• Director Eduard Tolokonnikov has created a production that combines harsh reality with surreal dreams, where dead geniuses argue about what makes music immortal.
• The drama balances dark humor and profound tragedy, making us reflect on how not only lives were lost in the Holocaust, but also an entire universe of culture, connections, and beauty.

Running time: 110 minutes with intermission. Ideal for those seeking more than just a performance, but a powerful emotional experience.

Don't miss this story of creativity on the edge!