2 Pianos 4 Hands, the International Success Story, Returns to Ottawaa.

The international success story of 2 Pianos 4 Hands began with a casual conversation between Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt about their experiences as classical music students.

They found many similarities in their journey along the way from early music lessons, weird and weirder teachers, competition success and the ultimate failure of their dream to become professional musicians.

And those parallel experiences became a cross-genre theatre piece that has entertained audiences worldwide for 15 years. Now, in their farewell (?)/anniversary tour of the show, Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt revisit their days from musical scales to concert recitals —once more with feeling.

Anyone who has been or seen a reluctant kid forced to take piano lessons or met a likeness of any of the characters that Dykstra and Gleenblatt conjure up in reliving their musical travelogue will be able to identify as the story of the pursuit of a dream unfolds.

They will also identify with the pair’s realization that neither will achieve their dream of reaching the pinnacle of musical success. Instead, they must settle for being the best pianists “in the neighbourhood” and develop successful careers in a different field — such as creating an international success such as 2 Pianos 4 Hands.

2 Pianos 4 Hands continues at the NAC English Theatre to January 28.