The title of this show may be accurate, but it doesn’t do justice to this funny, heartrending tribute to the piano and those who devote their lives to its mastery. 2 Pianos, 4 Hands is so much more than two pianists (“4 hands”) serenading the audience with a compilation of classical and contemporary tunes (although the pianists do that, too). It takes audiences through a roller coaster of emotions, many of which will be familiar to piano students, piano teachers, parents, and almost everyone who has picked up an instrument at some time. Who can’t identify with these competitive pianists, who meet each other at a piano competition for very young children and lead parallel lives throughout the show? By switching characters every few minutes, the duo encounter nagging parents (who promise to withhold allowances if the practicing is skipped) and endlessly patient teachers (who sometimes disagree on the proper way to execute certain techniques). As they continue to pursue their dreams of becoming professional soloists, they encounter more teachers, more parental interference and brutally honest conservatory exam proctors. The two performers, Wauwatosa native and Milwaukee High School of the Performing Arts graduate Joe Kinosian, and Milwaukee Repertory Theater newcomer Ben Moss, are multi-talented, to say the least. They are as graceful at the piano as they are clever in delivering their bits of comedy throughout. Kinosian also serves as the production’s music director, and both are under the general direction of Laura Braza. The material was created by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt. Lest one forget the most important component of the show—the music—selections range from Bach, Beethoven and Mozart to Billy Joel (“Piano Man”), Jerry Lee Lewis (“Great Balls of Fire”), and many more.
2 Pianos, 4 Hands is a marvelous start to the Milwaukee Rep’s fall theater season. It offers classical music, contemporary music and a story line that produces hilarity throughout the evening. Music lovers especially should rush to get tickets to what will surely be a popular attraction.
