***** When one hears the title of the play written by Richard Greenblatt and Ted Dykstra, “2 Pianos 4 Hands”, they are often unsure of what this play could be about. I, for one, thought it might be two pianoplayers in competition or perhaps doing a major concert, but is , in fact, a story about two would-be concert pianists telling their stories, or in some cases sharing them, as if they were back in their learning periods. The play is about dreams- both imagined and also crushed.
Directed to perfection by Rob Lindley, who himself is quite the musician and staged with a set that is composed of two grand pianos. When I first entered the theatre at Northlight, I saw the shape of the stage and thought perhaps the stage would rotate like Marriott Lincolnshire’s, which would have added an extra zing to a smartly done 2 hours and 15 minutes ( one intermission) of pure entertainment starring two amazing musicians, who are also comics and wonderful actors.
Adam LaSalle plays Ted, and takes us back to his youth as a student with some grace and also portrays teachers and a parent along the way. Richard is played to perfection by Matthew McGloin, who does likewise and also takes on a few other personalities including a distraught housewife who takes piano lessons to escape from her boring life . These two men go back and forth between roles as student and teacher, quickly and between the scenes play some enchanting piano pieces including a duet at the end that is both lyrical and amazing, showing their excellent skills to perfection.
These two “piano nerds” create an evening of solid entertainment but with some looks at real life situations. Parents who feel that the kids should be more than just music makers. Parents who want their children to learn failure, while the child is striving for perfection. Children who are thinking that perhaps they need to settle. Musicians who keep changing instructors and find that they all have their own techniques. Perhaps these are the personal stories of the playwrights, or stories they witnessed through others, but I knew a few piano players growing up and they were advised to practice, practice, practice!
Both of these actors are from New York, with McGloin having done this play 7 times, and it shows. LaSalle proves to be a solid Ted and the work of these two menis fabulous. They seem as if they have been doing these roles for years and work very well together. If you are seeking a great work of entertainment with lots of laughs, great music and a lesson or two, this is one NOT TO MISS!!
“2 Pianos 4 Hands” will continue thru August 11th with performances as follows:
Northlight Theatre is located in the North Shore Center for Performing Arts in Skokie (9501 Skokie Blvd. /at Golf) with plenty of free parking. Valet parking is also available.
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “2 Pianos 4 Hands”.
Two Pianos, Four Hands is a charming play and concert rolled into one. Two talented wold-be concert pianists trade stories of their pushy parents, eccentric teachers, endless pressures of practice and all underlie a world of dreams and stardom. Joining the conversation are the two stars: Matthew McGloin (who plays Richard Greenblatt) and Adam LaSalle (playing Ted Dykstra) in a play written by the actual Greenblatt and Dykstra; it’s a true story! Also joining in is one of Chicago’s most talented Directors (and actors): Rob Lindley. The pressures of playing classical piano throughout the show while also playing a dozen different characters…this show is a great, but rewarding challenge to the cast.
Tickets can be purchased at: www.northlight.org and the show has been extended through August 11th.
Watch/listen to the interview below and then…get your tickets for a really enjoyable evening.
Tuesdays 7:30pm NOT IN AUGUST
Two Pianos, Four Hands is a charming play and concert rolled into one. Two talented wold-be concert pianists trade stories of their pushy parents, eccentric teachers, endless pressures of practice and all underlie a world of dreams and stardom. Joining the conversation are the two stars: Matthew McGloin (who plays Richard Greenblatt) and Adam LaSalle (playing Ted Dykstra) in a play written by the actual Greenblatt and Dykstra; it’s a true story! Also joining in is one of Chicago’s most talented Directors (and actors): Rob Lindley. The pressures of playing classical piano throughout the show while also playing a dozen different characters…this show is a great, but rewarding challenge to the cast.
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