2 pianos, 4 hands

Canadian co-authors, actors, and musicians Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt authored the final presentation of the Missouri Repretory Theatre’s 2002-03 season.

2 Pianos has become a theatrical legend not only in Canada, where it debuted in 1996, but has been performed to acclaim on four continents. The score includes selections by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and other classical composers, popular music by Hoagy Carmichael, classic rock and roll made popular by Jerry Lee Lewis, and contemporary music by Billy Joel and Elton John.

A semi-autobiographical comedy, 2 Pianos, 4 Hands takes a wry and hilarious look at Dykstra and Greenblatt themselves growing up at the piano, but its story is universal and becomes a metaphor for individual spirit and the desire for excellence in any endeavor. At first performed by its co-authors, 2 Pianos has been seen with actors/pianists Mark Anders and Carl J. Danielsen at theatres across America including Arizona Theatre Company, Northlight Theatre in Chicago, Seattle Repertory Theatre, and Denver Center Theatre Company.

“This is a two-actor performance play where the music serves as a third character,” said Peter Altman, producing artistic director for the Missouri Rep. “...2 Pianos has appeal far beyond the large community of those who have enjoyed or endured music lessons.”