080811 Piano Men takes audience back to the 70s
By Sharon Haught
August 3, 2011
300
Summary: The music of two piano legends – Billy Joel and Elton John – came to life when the Orrville Community Theater Company presented Piano Men.
The lives and music of two legendary piano players – Billy Joel and Elton John – came to life when the Orrville Community Theater Company presented the musical Piano Men at the 120 Artists CoOp on July 29.
The play chronicles the careers of the pop icons through narration by Mellissa Davis in the role of Alice, the fictitious stage manager of the sold out joint Elton John/Billy Joel world tours of the 1990s and 2000s.
Woven seamlessly through Alices reminiscences of Billy Joel and Elton Johns lives and careers were scenes depicting the pairs on stage performances and backstage conversations.
Piano Men featured the piano and vocal talents of Denny Miller as Elton John and Phil Buckwalter as Billy Joel. Completing the band were John Connley on guitar, Todd Yoder on bass and Jim Stein on drums.
Also featured in the production was Chris Kirchner, who played multiple characters including John Lennon.
The Orrville Community Theaters production of Piano Men was presented by the 120 Artists CoOp as part of its ongoing schedule of summer performing and visual arts events.
Next up on the 120 Artists CoOps schedule is an exhibit by sculptor Mahlon Schmucker entitled Retired Iron, which runs from August 9-12. During the opening reception on August 9 the public can meet the artist and enjoy the music of harpist Becky Cox from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The exhibit concludes on August 12 with a performance by guitarist and singer Gretchen Pleuss from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The events are free and open to the public.
For more information on the 120 Artists CoOp log on to www.the120artistscoop.com.
Orrville Community Theatre is a non-profit, volunteer-based theater company whose mission is to enrich peoples lives through theater arts.
More information on the Orrville Community Theater can be found on their Facebook group page.
