2 Pianos 4 Hands is the touching and irresistibly funny story of two boys, Ted and Richard, who share one 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 dreams of greatness.
This award-winning phenomenon of a show has played in over 150 productions to 2 million people since its premiere in Canada in 1996. The secret of its success? 2 Pianos 4 Hands is a universal story that will touch the heart of anyone who has ever dreamed of doing one thing and ended up doing something else.
This autumn the King’s Theatre presents the internationally popular musical comedy duo Katzenjammer – Kevin Farrell and Steven Worbey – in the show’s Scottish premiere which is directed by one half of its original writing team, Canada’s Richard Greenblatt, who, in addition to his directorial duties, has also performed the semi-autobiographical piece some 750 + times.
This new production sees Katzenjammer take to the stage to perform over thirty character roles as fifteen years of piano playing unfold. From classical to jazz to pop, the duo treats audiences to a dazzling virtuoso performance that encompasses the music of Bach, Beethoven and Jerry Lee Lewis.
At the outset Kevin and Steven take turns in playing child versions of each character whilst the other assumes the role of the teacher, the adjudicator, and the parent. As ‘friendly’ competitors, nearing their teens they face each other at various festivals – experiencing chronic stage fright as the dread of losing to other eight year old prodigies sets in.
Young adulthood opens their eyes to new ideas and influences and both their piano playing and their perspective on the world evolves. As they take the terrifying steps towards auditioning for Conservatories and playing the music of classical and jazz masters, they also face the typical teenage traumas of parental conflict and interactions with the opposite sex.
As they mature Ted and Richard have the hardest lesson of all to learn – that the gap between being very good and great may be slight, but it is all important – and over time comes the humbling realisation that greatness may just be out of reach…
…and there lies the universal plight that all those with an ounce of training and talent and the very will to ‘be’ – a professional musician, or athlete, or actor, or dancer will understand.
John Stalker, Chief Executive of the Festival City Theatres Trust said of staging the production:
“Already idolised by fans the world over for their own shows, Katzenjammer are set to thrill our audiences with their skill and musical dexterity. This is a show with a big heart that will be enjoyed by anyone who has suffered from the double whammy of parental ambition and parental disappointment.”
The romping comedy with music that is 2 Pianos, 4 Hands captures the humour that comes with learning to play the piano and will strike a chord with anyone who has ever had – and had to let go of – a dream.
