MEDIA REVIEWS
‘I Piano is a parent’s absolute dream show. The play is endlessly creative, bursting with energy and, at least for the performance I saw, kept a sold-out audience of toddlers and pre-teens engrossed and entertained for over an hour while enlightening them with the beauty of classical music. […] Danny Triani is a triumph […] Terenia Edwards and Joy Huang are a fabulous double act, lifting the young audience to their feet with their dynamism and irrepressible charm […] The show is not only a metaphor for finding one’s way in life but addresses Picasso’s idea that every child is an artist – the challenge is not to lose that creativity as you grow up. Judging by the way the parents were on their feet, dancing and humming along, Picasso could do worse than to prescribe this show as an antidote to adulthood.’
— Shanghai Arts Review ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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‘I Piano makes children of us all, the same expression of awe across every child from 2 to 92 years old. Watching the wonder across the faces on the structure’s risers around you, mirroring your own, is as part of the performance as anything else. Ultimately, we all find the music together and learn that loving your neighbour makes for a harmonious world. An inspiring and playful piece, this golden hour at Pianodrome is the perfect opportunity to make musical memories together as a family.’
— Edinburgh Guide ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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‘Through charming and mesmerising shadow puppetry, together with exceptionally talented musical accompaniments, any audience big or small will be won over by this engaging and unexpected story telling. The deceptively simple cast of two skilfully draw us into lands inhabited by flamboyant characters who help in the search for the missing music, which children in the audience shape with their suggestions. A musical carrot and an ink squirting octopus are part of the eclectic cast. You will be swept away by their charm and ingenuity backed by familiar classical favourites. Subtle and appealing, this calming and gentle show succeeded in winning the children's attention. It will appeal to children from 4 - 94. Full of musicality and vitality this is a little gem; and is very highly recommended. Grab it now, ends Sunday!'
— Edinburgh Festivals for Kids ★ ★ ★ ★
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‘The spirit of the piano has lost his music, so little girl Zizi undertakes to help him get it back. Adventure ensues, their journeys represented through light puppetry and clever projection. We learn about the nature of music with the aid of various suggestions solicited from the younger members of the audience. It is a charming journey full of fabulous musicianship.’
— Three Weeks ★ ★ ★ ★
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‘It was very magical and it felt like a very special experience […] I Piano really inspired me to keep on playing piano myself, even when it gets quite tough. And it made me realise that music is everywhere and can be in anything or everything.’
— Kids at the Fest (child reviewer team) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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AUDIENCE REVIEWS (POSTED ONLINE)
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‘My seven-year-old loved this show. Engaging tale, perfect for pre-schoolers and younger primary school kids – and the piano-playing was a real treat.’
– Bec McQuillan, EdFringe audience review, 2022
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‘We are two Mums and we took our 4 kids aged 6-10 and they were all entranced and totally involved in the story – laughing out loud, shouting out answers, imitating actions and singing along … The kids left with an enhanced appreciation of the world of music. Highly recommend.’
– Meghan and Molly, EdFringe audience review, 2022
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‘From a musical educator's perspective, this is a beautiful show … The story is appealing with lovely moments of audience participation and for the children to help tell the story and create the music … The shadow puppetry element was simply stunning. Breathtaking, detailed and magical.’
– James Hall, EdFringe audience review, 2022
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‘A totally enchanting captivating show. Lots of audience participation which kept the children really engaged. Beautiful use of puppetry and of course the music was fabulous. Also the seats are made out of old pianos which was very cool. Ideal for age 3-8.’
– Kyla Cranmer, EdFringe audience review, 2022
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‘Wonderful show! I went with my friends’ kids and we all loved it, kids and adults alike. A lovely story told with such energy, fantastic music and amazing puppetry. Highly recommended, 5 stars!’
– Alex Webb Allen, EdFringe audience review, 2022
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‘Our grand children (ages 7, 4 & 2) loved the performance and insisted that we go back for more the next day. Because of the interactive improvisation each performance is unique. In addition to helping develop a love for music the show has a message of confident individuality. We highly recommend for its visual creativity, music quality and good humour.’
– Rodney Larson, EdFringe audience review, 2022
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‘Great show in a great venue. Hand-made, beautiful and had my 6 year-old hooked. Haven’t seen him say “Wow!” so much at anything as much as he did here. Performers were great.’
– GM, EdFringe audience review, 2022
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‘Fantastic show. My kids (4&9) loved it, it was magical, funny, and really inspiring for them to play music for themselves. For any child who likes music and especially for anyone learning to play.’
– Mor Kandlik Eltanani, EdFringe audience review, 2022
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‘Just lovely. A clever story that takes you from 1) understanding the notes to 2) looking at the world around you to 3) expressing your emotions. Clever, poignant, and hugely accessible. Both my 9 year old and my 6 year old loved it and both love the piano but struggle to keep practicing and “their music”... this show has provided us with a shared story for finding your own piano voice and adventure... plus the shadow puppetry is charming and beautiful and gives the show a real “homemade” / low-fi style of faery charm. Like most really lovely heart felt art, it's so simple but often magical. Also, a great venue - an amphitheater made out of dismantled and up cycled pianos.’
— Chris Mitchell, EdFringe audience review, 2019
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‘We saw this delightful show today, the kids loved it and were totally engrossed from start to finish. It is a delightful mix of music, clever and beautiful shadow puppetry and enough audience interaction to keep wriggly children entertained. I enjoyed it as much as the kids! The magical Pianodrome was the perfect setting for this fab show...go see it!
— Niamh Walshe, EdFringe audience review, 2019
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‘What an absolute delight this show was! My 6 year old and his 5 year old pal and his big sister (8) loved the story of how the piano had lost its music, and the quest to find it again. Told with piano, movement and puppetry. A must-see for every parent and child who loves music, loves the sound of piano played beautifully, or loves the feelings and magic you get from music .... 5 stars! Don't be deterred by the trip to Pianodrome on Pitt Street - it's a secret wonderland!’
— Claire Daly, EdFringe audience review, 2019
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