Adam LaSalle and Matthew McGloin. (Liz Lauren)
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.”
In addition, it would only be fair to note the parallel talents of the show’s two creators: Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt, the actors/writers/performers who devised the show in 1996 and co-starred in it for many years. And cheers, as well, to Rob Lindley, the Chicago-based actor/director who has finessed this Northlight production by taking full advantage of LaSalle and McGloin and their multiplicity of talents and innately droll interaction. (McGloin also doubles as the show’s music director.)
The stage is bare aside from two back-to-back grand pianos and a set designed by Tianxuan Chen — a white backdrop with an abstract black design that might even be interpreted as an abstract take on the black and white keys of a piano.
So what is this show all about? Well, it is a semi-comical look at two extremely talented young piano students with quite different personalities who must deal with demanding fathers and eccentric teachers. There are also tremendous pressures involved with practicing and perfecting a wide range of fiercely challenging classical compositions by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Grieg, Schumann, Liszt and Albeniz — some performed as solos and others as duets. Along the way there is a certain degree of rebellion, as well as the desire for success. And at certain points this inspires the guys to question their plans and even to break into brief but liberating music by way of Broadway tunes and a bit of Billy Joel.
Matthew McGloin and Adam LaSalle. (Liz Lauren)
Throughout the show (which runs more than two exhilarating hours, including an intermission), LaSalle and McGloin assume countless different roles and make the most of a wonderfully clever and often laugh-inducing script that captures the devotion, the emotional demands and the rebellion involved in forging a classical music career. Should you waste your talent or save your sanity? Should you walk away from the classical scores and turn to jazz or rock? Do you want a future at Carnegie Hall or a gig in a restaurant that suggests customers drop some money into a glass jar?
Ironically enough, “2 Pianos 4 Hands” is a tremendously clever and immensely demanding showcase for a pair of brilliantly talented artists who can do it all. If at all possible, don’t miss it.
“2 Pianos 4 Hands” runs through Aug. 11 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie. For tickets, visit northlight.org or phone 847-673-6300.
Note: Northlight has announced its 2024-25 season that will feature an ideally varied roster of productions. They include “The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk,” a multimedia celebration of artist Marc Chagall and his wife; “Little Women,” a world premiere adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott classic; “The Heart Sellers,” a play about the Asian immigrant experience in the U.S.; “Prayer for the French Republic,” a play about five generations of a French-Jewish family from 1944 onward; and “Twisted Melodies,” a one-man show about the brilliant but tragic singer/composer Donny Hathaway.
Follow Hedy Weiss on Twitter: @HedyWeissCritic
