Centaur Theatre Presents 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS, Now thru 5/25

Centaur Theatre proudly presents the critically acclaimed 2 Pianos 4 Hands, winner of a Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding Production and a Chalmers Award for Playwriting.

Since its premiere at Tarragon Theatre in 1996, 2 Pianos 4 Hands has played to sold-out audiences in several countries including Canada, the US, the UK, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, South Africa, Austria and Finland, making it arguably the most successful Canadian production ever.

Featuring live music from Bach to Billy Joel, 2 Pianos 4 Hands is a semi autobiographical play about two gifted young players who work toward concert pianist stardom.

As years of sacrifice and learning the art of playing the piano unfold on stage, they come to the sobering realization that becoming the next Glenn Gould or Vladimir Horowitz may be out of their reach. 2 Pianos 4 Hands has been successfully performed with and without its original co-stars Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt. Other talented duos, both male and female, have included Quebec celebrities Gregory Charles and Jean Marchand.

"Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt recently completed their 2 Pianos 4 Hands farewell tour as performers but Montreal-born Richard isn't retiring! He's directing a new incarnation of 2 Pianos 4 Hands starring Reza Jacobs and Bryce Kulak who play Ted and Richard. Needless to say, Richard is uniquely qualified to direct this spectacular production. He co-­?created, directed and starred in 2 Pianos 4 Hands, as well as directing over 100 plays for theatres across the country," says Centaur Theatre's Artistic and Executive Director, Roy Surette.

Richard Greenblatt says it is extremely difficult to cast 2 Pianos 4 Hands. "You have to find charismatic performers who can play university-­?level classical compositions, pop/rock pieces, be able to sing, and act upwards of 20 different and diverse characters with both humour and emotional truth. In Reza Jacobs and Bryce Kulak, we have found this unique combination of multi-­?talented individuals. It is the strongest cast of duos since Gregory Charles and Jean Marchand performed the piece at Théâtre du Rideau Vert in French."

The formidable pianists/actors portray an impressive and often hilarious range of characters that includes idiosyncratic piano teachers and conservatory examiners.

Opening Night is tonight, May 1, 2014, 8:00PM. Performances run Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00PM with Saturday/Sunday matinees at 2:00PM and a Wednesday Matinee May 7 at 1:00PM. The closing performance is Sunday, May 25, 2014, 2:00PM.

French Surtitles will be featured at Wednesdays and Fridays performances at 8PM.

Tickets are $26 to $47.50. For more information call 514-288-3161 or visit www.centaurtheatre.com/tickets.php.

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