Benjamin Lerner, Great-Grandson of Irving Berlin, Launches Recovery-Themed Show PERFORMER at Barrington Stage
In a significant event set for September 3, 2025, Benjamin Lerner, the great-grandson of legendary songwriter Irving Berlin, will unveil his innovative one-man concert titled PERFORMER at the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Renowned as a rapper, composer, writer, and public figure in addiction recovery, Lerner combines his musical heritage with personal narratives, addressing the ongoing opioid crisis in America through his art.
Irving Berlin is hailed as one of the most influential songwriting talents in American history, with a prolific catalog that includes timeless classics such as "White Christmas," "God Bless America," and "Blue Skies." His legacy not only shaped the American songbook but also provided a soundtrack to the 20th century's most defining moments. Benjamin Lerner aims to continue this legacy, channeling the spirit of his great-grandfather to confront today's pressing issues through the transformative power of music.
Having battled addiction to fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine as a young adult, Lerner's personal experiences serve as the foundation for his work. Sober since June 13, 2016, he draws on his struggles to create a genre-defying style that blends the precision of classical music with the raw energy of hip-hop. The performance promises to be both a powerful artistic expression and an important message of hope, focusing on recovery and resilience.
Lerner's initiative extends beyond just performance. All proceeds from the concert will benefit three key organizations within the Berkshire community:
1. Barrington Stage Company’s Musical Theatre Lab – A platform designed to support and nurture emerging voices in musical theater.
2. The George B. Crane Memorial Center – A local nonprofit committed to providing addiction recovery services through peer support groups and outreach programs.
3. Living in Recovery – A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives and foster community connections through social activities and advocacy initiatives.
Alan Paul, the Artistic Director of Barrington Stage Company, expressed excitement about hosting Lerner's debut, recognizing the potential of the arts to serve as a catalyst for social change. In his own words, Lerner stated, "I'm dedicated to using my platform to raise awareness surrounding addiction and recovery, and I am thankful for the opportunity to share my story with the Berkshire community."
Lerner's artistic journey is not just marked by his performances but also by his accomplishments in connecting with audiences around the country. Since transitioning from addiction to recovery, his storytelling approach—expressed through poignant piano-raps—has resonated deeply with listeners and fostered a supportive community of over 350,000 followers on social media. His latest music projects, including the recent EPs KEEP MOVING FORWARD and RUN TOWARDS THE TRUTH, further amplify his message of perseverance. Lerner’s work is a testament to the healing potential of creativity and self-expression.
The one-man concert PERFORMER is more than just an entertainment event; it is a declaration of hope in the face of adversity, echoing the sentiments of those affected by addiction and reminding them that recovery is possible. Tickets for this impactful concert are available now and are expected to sell out quickly due to the powerful mission behind the event and Lerner's compelling artistry.
To learn more about Benjamin Lerner and his work, visit benjaminlerner.com. For tickets to the concert and to support the vital causes behind it, check out the Barrington Stage Company's official website.
Irving Berlin is hailed as one of the most influential songwriting talents in American history, with a prolific catalog that includes timeless classics such as "White Christmas," "God Bless America," and "Blue Skies." His legacy not only shaped the American songbook but also provided a soundtrack to the 20th century's most defining moments. Benjamin Lerner aims to continue this legacy, channeling the spirit of his great-grandfather to confront today's pressing issues through the transformative power of music.
Having battled addiction to fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine as a young adult, Lerner's personal experiences serve as the foundation for his work. Sober since June 13, 2016, he draws on his struggles to create a genre-defying style that blends the precision of classical music with the raw energy of hip-hop. The performance promises to be both a powerful artistic expression and an important message of hope, focusing on recovery and resilience.
Lerner's initiative extends beyond just performance. All proceeds from the concert will benefit three key organizations within the Berkshire community:
1. Barrington Stage Company’s Musical Theatre Lab – A platform designed to support and nurture emerging voices in musical theater.
2. The George B. Crane Memorial Center – A local nonprofit committed to providing addiction recovery services through peer support groups and outreach programs.
3. Living in Recovery – A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals rebuild their lives and foster community connections through social activities and advocacy initiatives.
Alan Paul, the Artistic Director of Barrington Stage Company, expressed excitement about hosting Lerner's debut, recognizing the potential of the arts to serve as a catalyst for social change. In his own words, Lerner stated, "I'm dedicated to using my platform to raise awareness surrounding addiction and recovery, and I am thankful for the opportunity to share my story with the Berkshire community."
Lerner's artistic journey is not just marked by his performances but also by his accomplishments in connecting with audiences around the country. Since transitioning from addiction to recovery, his storytelling approach—expressed through poignant piano-raps—has resonated deeply with listeners and fostered a supportive community of over 350,000 followers on social media. His latest music projects, including the recent EPs KEEP MOVING FORWARD and RUN TOWARDS THE TRUTH, further amplify his message of perseverance. Lerner’s work is a testament to the healing potential of creativity and self-expression.
The one-man concert PERFORMER is more than just an entertainment event; it is a declaration of hope in the face of adversity, echoing the sentiments of those affected by addiction and reminding them that recovery is possible. Tickets for this impactful concert are available now and are expected to sell out quickly due to the powerful mission behind the event and Lerner's compelling artistry.
To learn more about Benjamin Lerner and his work, visit benjaminlerner.com. For tickets to the concert and to support the vital causes behind it, check out the Barrington Stage Company's official website.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.