reviews - 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS - Phoenix Theatre

"2 Pianos 4 Hands is simply terrific...there’s some wonderful theatre unfolding on the stage at Phoenix Theatre. The richness of the show’s quality comes in the form of realization.   Anyone who has ever taken a music lesson is well aware of the frustration of simply not getting it until that moment when you suddenly do.  But among the humor and the well observed moments of suddenly understanding something that at one time you couldn’t even imagine is drama, upset and disappointment.   There comes a point in time when a different sort of realization emerges and when it comes it’s devastating.  2 Pianos 4 Hands is hugely enjoyable." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)

"an impressive production from Phoenix Theatre.  Mark Anders and Michael Kary are exceptional in bringing this story of the drive for success to life.  It is a funny and touching coming of age story about two musicians as they practice and compete to become the best they can be. It is an easily relatable and enjoyable tale of dedication and pure talent and what one must do to succeed. With an exceptional cast and sure-footed direction, the Phoenix Theatre production of this musical is a funny, charming, witty and heartwarming tale about being passionate about something and doing what you have to do to excel at it, while knowing what to do when you learn what your limitations are." -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)

"the scant and frail show that runs just 90 draggy and boring minutes without intermission is an intolerable experience.  This is not a play that will draw you into the two characters lives and when the play finally coasts to a welcome end, you’ll think you’ve been anchored in your seat for hours.  It’s not the fault of the spiffy production which boasts Bruce Sevy’s swift direction that tries without success to make this intolerable play interesting or because of two resourceful actors, Mark Anders and Michael Kary, who play the two characters." -Chris Curcio, KBAQ (click here to read the complete review)

"Under the direction of Bruce Sevy, another "2 Pianos" veteran, the two actors deftly shift the story from light comedy to touching drama as their characters come to face the possibility that Carnegie Hall may not be in their futures. Near the end comes a pair of parallel critiques that are all the more devastating because they're accurate.  All this while actors return again and again to the piano to reel off selections by Mozart, Bach and Rachmaninoff, not to mention Billy Joel, John Lennon and Jerry Lee Lewis, just for a little pop-music relief. When it was all over on opening night, (Mark) Anders and (Michael) Kary had more than earned their standing O." -Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic (click here to read the complete review)