2 Pianos 4 Hands is a comedic look at two pianists thrown into a variety of situations, some quite hilarious, others close to any budding pianist’s heart. Last night, I attended the opening of Richard Greenblatt and Ted Dykstra’s musical romp, one that has become one of our country’s best-loved and most successful productions.
The Arts Club’s Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage was beautifully set with two grand pianos and two large empty picture frames, beautifully bathed in brilliant blue light. During the course of the two-act (with one intermission) play, the two frames project various window illustrations and colours to reflect the mood of the scenes. There are many short scenes that transition nicely from piano instruction to a full-fledged music academy entrance exam session.
Being a former piano student in my youth, I could easily relate to the drudgery of lessons, practice, patience, and at times just wanting to give up and belt out some “Chopsticks” or “Heart and Soul”.
[Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt]
Mad finger skills and sight gags are two of Richard and Ted’s best qualities. Keep a close eye on them both as the evening progresses. They’re a riot to watch.
Since its 1996 Toronto premiere, 2 Pianos 4 Hands has been performed over 4,000 times at 200 different theatres in Canada and around the world. Close to two million people have enjoyed the talented team to date.
This is the duo’s farewell run. I highly recommend getting tickets for a night of comedic genius and melodic mastery. 2 Pianos 4 Hands is created, directed, and performed by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt and continues through April 14 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street at 12th Avenue, Vancouver.
