2 Pianos 4 Hands | Nov 28 – Dec 21, 2014

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2 Pianos 4 Hands | Nov 28 – Dec 28, 2014

By Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt; Directed by Tom Frey
Proscenium Stage

Ted and Richard have spent their lives preparing for careers as concert pianists. They’ve endured years of practice, competition, stage fright and a string of eccentric piano teachers. Now, just as they should be reaching their peak, these old friends have to face their potential – and each other. From classical to jazz to Billy Joel, two men tickle the ivories as they discover that greatness isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. “…A jewel of a show which is moving, truthful and funny.” The Stage

 

Cast

Michael Pearce Donley
Peter Vitale*

Crew
Tom Frey – Director
Richard Cook – Tech/Dress Director
Jason Lee Resler – Costume Designer
Katharine Horowitz – Sound Designer
Michael P. Kittel – Lighting Designer
Abbee Warmboe – Props Designer
Erik E. Paulson – Set Designer
Wayne Hendricks* – Stage Manager

*Member, Actors’ Equity Association

Park Square wants your theatergoing experience to be as enjoyable as possible. Following is a list of content within 2 Pianos 4 Hands  that may be of concern to some members of our audience. Please understand that some information may give away surprises within the story. The information is provided to help you make informed decisions. Keep in mind that the language and themes outlined below, taken out of context, may seem more offensive than they would be within the context of the actual play.

2 Pianos 4 Hands is suitable for adults and teenagers.

Synopsis
2 Pianos 4 Hands is the riotous tale of two boys, Ted and Richard, in Canada sharing the same goal: concert pianist stardom. They work fervently towards their dream amidst pushy parents, eccentric teachers, hours of repetitive practice, stage fright, the agony of competitions and the dream of greatness. Two actors, two pianos and many, many characters grace the stage as fifteen years of learning the art of piano playing unfolds. From classical to pops to jazz, the play provides the chance for two performers to give their all in a 120-minute virtuoso performance. Along the journey the actors/pianists portray a dazzling range of characters embellished with a show of piano wizardry featuring the music of Bach, Beethoven and Jerry Lee Lewis.

In the beginning, the actors take turns playing child versions of each character while the other assumes the role of the teacher, the adjudicator, the parent. As “friendly” competitors nearing their teens they face off at various festivals – experiencing stage fright and the dread of losing to eight-year-old prodigies. And as young adults, their eyes open to new ideas and influences.

Gradually their piano playing and perspectives on the world evolve. From The Birch Canoe they move to auditioning for Conservatories, playing the music of classical and jazz masters, facing conflicts with their parents, and, well, at least thinking about the opposite sex…

And as they mature, Ted and Richard become more aware of the gap between the very good and the great, and come to the humbling realization that greatness may be out of reach. And there lies the universal plight of all those with an ounce of training and talent and the will to “be” a professional musician, or athlete, or actor or dancer. 2 Pianos 4 Hands captures the humor that comes with learning to play the piano, and the sense of loss of eventually learning to let go of the
dream.

Adult Language
The show contains a little adult language. This includes fh*ll (once), sh*t (once), b**bs (once), smart *ss (2 times) and multiple expressions invoking God’s name (4 times).

Violence
None.

Drugs/Alcohol/Smoking
The characters drink and smoke in two scenes. No drug use.

Sexual References/Nudity
In one scene a piano teacher uses the analogy of making love to a woman to explain how to play a piece of music. No nudity.

Other Mature Themes
None.

Running Time
2 Pianos 4 Hands runs approximately 2 hours, with one 20-minute intermission.

This show’s run has concluded.

Tickets

The box office is currently closed. Please email tickets@parksquaretheatre.org with any questions.

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