2 Pianos, 4 Hands: A Mostly Light-Hearted Musical Comedy

 

1000 Islands Playhouse in Gananoque, ON

As the first offering in the 1000 Islands Playhouse’s summer 2018 season, 2 Pianos, 4 Hands (a Marquis Entertainment Production) serves up delightful music with a mostly comedic and light-hearted story. Being a production which has received prestigious awards and has travelled to many places overseas, one may wonder whether the same  ‘big stage’ experience may be had in the modest Springer Theatre. Any doubts on this front, however, were instantly put to rest; this production, directed by one of the show’s co-creators, Richard Greenblatt skilfully packs classic and pop piano tunes and comedic storytelling together in a largely entertaining production.

The show, created by Greenblatt and Ted Dykstra, both theatre artists and musicians, dives into their childhood and adolescence as aspiring concert pianists. The trials of forced practising by strict parents, anxiety-inducing competition performances, and difficult piano lessons are all portrayed through a distinctly humorous lens. Underlying the comedy is also an important moral: the realization that one may not be the best or even as good as they hope to be at an activity and that’s ok. However, it is the comedic aspects which truly carry this production along and seem to resonate most with the audience (judging by the numerous laughs throughout).

The performances by the two actors in the show, Bryce Kulak (Richard) and Max Roll (Ted), are excellent and highly entertaining. Portraying young Richard and Ted as they move through their musical journey, they also double as a range of different characters including parents, eccentric teachers, and tough music school examiners. It is their acting and musical ability which truly make the show-from their superb piano playing to their ease in switching between characters, Kulak and Roll do a great job of ensuring engagement. To that effect, the minimalistic set by production designer Steve Lucas, consisting of two pianos and two framed projection screens upstage, works well as a space for the performers. With the performers, the pianos and projections showed on the screens provide enough context for individual settings and situations in the show. The lighting design, also by Lucas, serves the production effectively. Lighting colours are matched and acutely timed with dramatic moments throughout the show (the stage being very brightly lit when the boys each do their exams to enter music schools, for instance).

To be sure, the show is not just all slapstick; moments of genuine emotion are had in the telling of the boys’ efforts to become the best piano player. Such moments include when Richard breaks down after his father threatens to cancel his lessons and when Ted’s dream of being a concert pianist is dashed by the school examiner. The latter scene is especially poignant, as Ted realizes that he does not quite have what it takes to be a professional pianist despite years of practice. Yet these moments do not seem to be quite as long-lasting or as impactful as the jokes and enjoyable piano pieces performed onstage. The strength of this particular production of 2 Pianos, 4 Hands rather, comes from its ability to transmit a powerful combination of nostalgia and feel-goodness.

2 Pianos, 4 Hands continues until June 16 at the Springer Theatre in the 1000 Islands Playhouse. For more information and tickets, visit http://www.1000islandsplayhouse.com/2-pianos-4-hands/