2 Pianos 4 Hands at Northlight Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...There is indeed a lot of piano playing in the piece, of a dueling and complementary nature and with parts in between. But the core of this conceptual entertainment is the personal price paid by pianists: the parents who demand practice but also a less risky profession; the teachers who sometimes destroy without building back up; the self-doubt and the feelings of inadequacy that afflict most artists."

Daily Herald - Highly Recommended

"...The outstanding actor/musicians Adam LaSalle and Matthew McGloin play Ted and Richard in this combination memoir, concert and coming-of-age tale that chronicles their evolution from childhood, where their initial piano lessons consist of playing scales with one finger, to their late teens, where an audition for a prestigious conservatory determines their futures."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...The show requires actors who are also musicians that can make the trolls in Edvard Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” come to life and let the intricacies of J. S. Bach’s Concerto in D minor soar with effortless drama. As they make their way through works by Beethoven, Schubert, Mozart, Liszt and the occasional Elton John tune, LaSalle and McGloin prove they are the rare pair that can pull that off."

Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended

"...LaSalle and McGloin's superb performance in 2 Pianos 4 Hands truly showcases their exceptional talents and piano proficiency. They captivate the audience with their instrument mastery and timely comedic wit. Their chemistry on stage adds to the exhilaration, making it a must-see musical experience!"

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...These two “piano nerds” create an evening of solid entertainment but with some looks at real life situations. Parents who feel that the kids should be more than just music makers. Parents who want their children to learn failure, while the child is striving for perfection. Children who are thinking that perhaps they need to settle. Musicians who keep changing instructors and find that they all have their own techniques. Perhaps these are the personal stories of the playwrights, or stories they witnessed through others, but I knew a few piano players growing up and they were advised to practice, practice, practice!"

WTTW - Highly Recommended

"...Phenomenal: That is an adjective that I use very sparingly. But it is the only way to describe the multitalented brilliance of Adam LaSalle and Matthew McGloin, the two wildly gifted performers who are not only superb musicians, but altogether remarkable actors, wildly zany comedians, deft movers and irresistible “brainiacs” as well. And they are now electrifying Northlight Theatre’s stage in Skokie with a show titled “2 Pianos 4 Hands.”"

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Gifted pianists, directors, actors and teachers, now turned playwrights, Richard Greenblatt and Ted Dykstra are the subjects of this entertaining two-hander. Through their terrific portrayal by the equally talented duo of Matthew McGloin and Adam LaSalle, the difficult and challenging life of an artist comes into focus for the audience. Their stories of growth and development are told with humanity, humor and a degree of poignance, set to the music of both the classical and popular songbooks. This is a production that’ll absolutely inspire audiences to leap to their feet with gratitude. Both honest and artistically magnificent, 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS is definitely worthy of a standing ovation that seems to never end."

Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended

"...It’s a play. It’s a concert. It’s a little bit of both. Recently extended until August 11, 2024, “2 Pianos 4 Hands” is a satisfying romp through the lives of two ambitious musicians who long for stardom in a highly competitive industry."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...Actors Adam LaSalle and Matthew McGloin have the daunting task of playing the OGs, Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt, respectively. This is not an easy task; however, they will impress and delight you with their piano-playing prowess while trading stories of pushy parents, eccentric teachers, endless practice, and dreams of stardom. LaSalle and McGloin are masters of a diverse repertoire and play different genres, from classical to pop, jazz, and rock. Over twenty pieces are featured. You have classics like Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Duvernoy, Grieg, Liszt, Mozart, and Schubert played exquisitely. They play Hoagy Carmichael’s jazz tune “Heart and Soul” and Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.” Richard Rogers/ Lorenz Hart’s “My Funny Valentine” and a medley of Pop Tunes cheerfully. Their comic antics and comments on the characters who influenced their career direction will have you laughing out loud, as was most of the audience on opening night."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...The path toward becoming an accomplished classical musician is as harrowing as one might expect and is spelled out in “2 Pianos 4 Hands,” running through August 11 at Northlight Theatre. This coming-of-age musical comedy directed by Rob Lindley is loosely based on the lives of Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt as they train from childhood to adulthood to become famous classical pianists."