A Canadian Success Comes Home

Article: Robyn Tocker – A&C Editor Follow @carillon_arts

2 Pianos 4 Hands is back at The Globe for its 2013/14 season

Live productions have been a success in Canada, but none so much as the play 2 Pianos 4 Hands. This spectacular play showcases a story about two young men who want to make it big as concert pianists, but it’s not as easy as they would hope.

Ruth Smilie, the CEO of The Globe, said “it’s deeply inspiring . . . it’s a story all of us can relate to.”

This will not be the first time 2P4H comes to The Globe, and it is certainly not the only place people have watched it. 2P4H has been performed internationally for 25 years, and it has been said that this particular play is one of the most produced Canadian plays in Canada’s history.

“2 Pianos 4 Hands has 1 great big heart” – Mark Robins of Gay Vancouver /source: Globe Theatre

Smilie looks forward to having it back on stage from June 5-15, 2014.

“The play was first here in 1997 and the two who created the amazing piece performed it here. They were exceptional guys. It takes a special artist to do this play,” Smilie said.

2P4H is being produced by the Marquis Entertainment Company. Having the company, who is used to travelling internationally, has lessened the challenges this play comes with, said Smilie. Although with two grand pianos, getting them upstairs hasn’t been an easy part either.

“The piano movers aren’t a fan,” she said.

When asked what makes this play such a success, Smilie listed many reasons, one being the fact that not many people get to sit close to two grand pianos at The Globe.

“The two actors performing are exceptional pianists and actors. It is a visual and audio spectacle. It’s also a humbling tale, for as the play goes on, the audience watches as the two young men realize that they may never be the best in the world, their country, or their province.

“It’s that moment of clarity as you age. At the end of the day maybe you will be the best, but even if you won’t, it’s all about the things you accomplish in between.”

Smilie holds this play in a special place in her heart, but as the CEO for the past 15 years, she has gotten to choose all the plays and it is difficult to choose her favourite one.

“I love Old Wicked Songs, Beauty and the Beast, and Elizabeth Rex.”

As one of the three female CEOs in The Globe’s history, Smilie holds a position that is not common for women in the theatre industry.

“A lot of women may not see that kind of leadership and long hours fit with having a family.”

Smilie goes on to say how this is more about a dominant culture that tends to think men are more capable of women to hold down this kind of job. Yet, Smilie continues to prove she is more than capable of handling all the ups and downs her position comes along with.

2 Pianos 4 Hands is a one of a kind piece that no one should miss out on. Because of this, The Globe has made it a special add-on event that will run near the end of their season. Any aspiring artist can’t afford to miss out on such an inspiring piece of Canadian theatre.