2 Pianos 4 Hands
by Ted Dykstra & Richard Greenblatt
Directed by Tom Frey
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
October 9, 2026
Matthew McGloin, Richard Todd Adams
Photo by Julie Merkle: Echos Photo & Film
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
The Rep’s latest production is simply stated, truly a delight. 2 Pianos 4 Hands is a hit show that originated in Canada and is based on the experiences of its two authors and original performers. Now, it comes to the stage at the Rep directed by Tom Frey and featuring two amiable and stellar performers who tell their story of growing up as “piano nerds” with humor and energy, along with lots of familiar, wonderfully played music.
The stage is simply set, with two Steinway grand pianos and a backdrop of picture frames that feature projections by Steve Lucas. Two men walk onstage and humorously sort out which piano–and bench–are for each performer. Then, the story begins, as Ted (Richard Todd Adams) and Richard (Matthew McGloin) start as young boys taking piano lessons, being alternately encouraged and stressed by parents and teachers. The actors take turns playing the adults in each character’s life as we learn in detail the different challenges and pressures as Ted and Richard grow up, enter competitions, learn contradictory advice, and aspire to be successful concert pianists, with Ted leaning toward classical and Richard eventually leaning toward jazz. Throughout, we hear many familiar classical pieces by such composers as Bach, Beethoven, and Grieg, as well as jazz standards like “My Funny Valentine” and pop hits from Billy Joel and others.
The beauty of this show isn’t simply the music and the humor–it’s the universality of the experience. Even though everyone hasn’t aspired to be a classical pianist, we all have our hopes, dreams, and goals that can be encouraged, fulfilled, or dashed as we grow up and aspire to discover success as adults. I never took piano lessons, but I had my goals as a writer and the encouragement from teachers along the way as well as discouragements from various experiences. I also found myself thinking about musicians that I know who may have gone through experiences similar to Ted’s and Richard’s. The performers, Adams and McGloin, are eminently likable and relatable, playing their instruments impeccably well and acting out their various triumphs and failures with genuine energy and credibility. It’s hard to discuss these two individually, because they work together so well and form an inseparable team, communicated both their love and frustration with the experience of being “piano nerds” with fascinating truth. That phrase, “piano nerds”, is used a lot in the various notes in the program, and it accurately reflects the level of interest and, at times, obsession that is depicted here, although the show also deals with some serious issues of what to do when your goals consume your life for such a long time, but then don’t pan out the way you expected, which eventually leads to a delightful duet at the conclusion of the play.
The minimal set and basic costuming works well to keep the focus on the story, and the music. There’s also excellent work from lighting designer Katherine Stepanek. It’s a well put-together show that celebrates music, creativity, and the pursuit of life goals and dreams. It’s also highly relatable whether you are a classical pianist or not. It’s an excellent, hilarious and inspiring piece, sure to delight audiences at the Rep.
Richard Todd Adams, Matthew McGloin
Photo by Julie Merkle: Echos Photo & Film
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting 2 Pianos 4 Hands until October 25, 2026