DYKSTRA AND GREENBLATT: IMMENSE HUMOUR AND INTENSE ENERGY
by Lee Mallott
2 Pianos, 4 Hands
by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt
Directed by Gloria Muzio
Vancouver Playhouse until October 11
Tickets: 873-3311
This Canadian hit opened last September 18th and was a huge audience success.
The comic accounts of aspiring musicians were well played with immense humour
and intense energy between Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt. I must say
even though my musical background is not extensive, I found great enjoyment
in both the dialogue and repetoire of music, including diverse excerpts ranging
from Elton John and Charlie Brown's Theme to the great classics.
The script laid the stage well for the simple yet effective set design of
a pair of grand pianos and 'focused' lighting. As one looks below the surface
of the stationary set, the trials and tribulations these musicians move through
in their lives are not unlike those of individuals pursuing their dreams,
sensitive to the positive and negative effects of life's realities. This
is the power of the play. Whether or not your appreciation is the piano,
your heart is touched by the beautiful musicianship.
This play was originially produced by Tarragon Theatre in Toronto, and will
open at New York's Promenade Theatre on October 30th. Acclaimed New York
Director Gloria Muzio is 'fine tuning' the production on the Playhouse stage
prior to its New York debut.
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