As many sounds as a piano has keys
Payne called "Simply Grand." Though originally a one-person show, guest performers Callandra Dendias-Peter and Mark-Anthony Del Brocco join Payne for several songs throughout the concert.
“Mark is not only a terrific musician but also a funny and engaging entertainer capable of jumping from one genre to another with ease,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director of Drayton Entertainment. “Audiences will be impressed with his amazing piano skills and the variety of music packed into one concert.”
Payne has obtained two different degrees from the University of Toronto in piano performance, but his interest in the instrument began even further back.
"I've been studying piano since I was seven years old," said Payne. "I've spent a lot of time as a young man, like seven or eight hours a day in a practice room learning my craft. But of course, I've been working professionally for 20 years now. I play every day. A number of these pieces I've known over the years are combined into this show."
He has performed in virtually every conceivable role with orchestras in companies and theatres across Canada – pianist, singer, conductor, music director, arranger, répétiteur, and chorus master. He is fluent in just about every genre.
"I've done the show twice before, and the audiences have a great time," said Payne. "As I said, people that expect to be sitting watching a guy play piano go away very surprised.
"It's a family show, absolutely. I do a whole section on music themes, and I play a little with the audience – I get someone onstage at some point. It's really fun for all ages."
Previous performances were called "Simply Grand," and the name was later changed to "I Love A Piano" based on the wellknown Irving Berlin song.
Guest conductor Anthony Bastianon will lead this concert. Bastianon has worked as a music director in productions across Canada. He currently serves on the faculty at Sheridan College music theatre performance program and works as the artistic director at Voices Rock Canada.
I Love a Piano is on stage at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge starting on Valentine's Day for three performances – February 14 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and the following day (February 15) at 7:30 p.m.
All proceeds go towards charitable programs for Drayton Entertainment and the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for youth under the age of 20, available in person at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge box office, online at www.draytonentertainment.com, or by calling (519) 621-8000 or toll-free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).