Press Roundup: 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS
“…On opening night, everybody rose to their feet even before the curtain call began, cheering and clapping with respect and adoration. This is one show that I truly guarantee deserves a standing ovation…The talented duo are realistically portrayed here by the extraordinarily talented Matthew McGloin (Richard) and Adam LaSalle (Ted)…Matthew and Adam prove that they’re not only smart, masterful virtuosos at the keyboard, but adept actors as well. Each performer demonstrates his flair for comedy, but is able to seamlessly shift between the hilarious and the dramatic as well…Through their terrific portrayal, the difficult and challenging life of an artist comes into focus for the audience…Both honest and artistically magnificent, 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS is definitely worthy of a standing ovation that seems to never end.”
Chicago Theatre Review
“…McGloin and LaSalle are conservatory-level players, and their performance could stand on its musical laurels alone. But this is not just a piano concert. One is left in awe at the combination of acting and musicianship demonstrated by McGloin and LaSalle…Every character they play is well-defined, and it feels like you’re watching a company of twelve actors instead of two. Most exciting is when they play together, sometimes sitting on the same bench, pushing and shoving each other, crossing over each other’s arms and delivering verbal quips while nailing every note. Chimeras of such talent are rare and wonderful to see…2 Pianos 4 Hands dazzles with its mirth, wit, fast-paced dialogue, lovable characters, and a long list of classic and contemporary musical works. Performances by LaSalle and McGloin are nothing short of outstanding…”
New City Stage
“…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 with 2 Pianos 4 Hands…Throughout the show (which runs more than two exhilarating hours), 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…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.”
WTTW
“…It’s 2 hours and 15 minutes of pure entertainment starring two amazing musicians, who are also comics and wonderful actors…Richard is played to perfection by Matthew McGloin…Both of these actors are from New York, with McGloin having done this play 7 times, and it shows…They seem as if they have been doing these roles for years and work very well together. If you are seeking a great work of entertainment with lots of laughs, great music, and a lesson or two, this is one NOT TO MISS!!”
Around the Town Chicago
“…Their captivating chemistry on stage adds to the exhilaration as they perfectly combine their outstanding musical skills while portraying dozens of characters…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…”
Let’s Play Theatrical Review
“…For the current run at Northlight Theatre, Matthew McGloin is playing Richard for the seventh time and doubles as music director, while newbie Adam LaSalle is Ted…Both are superb in very demanding roles that require them to play piano on a conservatory level and portray a variety of characters…Everything contributes to the success of the show, from Tianxuan Chen's set design…to costume designer Jos N. Banks’ tuxes, Emma Deane's lighting, Rick Sims' sound design and, of course, McGloin's musical direction.”
Hyde Park Herald
“…Richard (Matthew McGloin) and Ted (Adam LaSalle) are young men of prodigious talent...The show requires actors who are also musicians…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…”
Chicago Reader
“…Northlight’s new production [is] directed with flourish by Rob Lindley and musically directed by the overachieving McGloin…LaSalle [is] a fine player alongside the more vulnerable and similarly capable McGloin…”
Chicago Tribune
“…The play does demand the actors to be high-level pianists, but also comedic. The performers in the Northlight production fill those qualifications…Two grand pianos command the stage, and LaSalle and McGloin play them masterfully. Their slapstick antics and childhood observations are also first rate…”
Evanston Roundtable
“…their mastery of the piano is over-the-top and we get treated to an outstanding performance…”
Chicago Theater and Arts