So it Begins with a Single Note 

Reviewed by Marilu Murphy

Walking into Petrolia’s Victoria Playhouse, I had a question. How can Piano Legends compare to any of the other productions that I’ve reviewed?  I’m sure that it’s not going to be nearly as captivating and fun.  The stage is impressive and showcases three baby grand pianos, to the left a white piano and to the right a black piano each on its own wide black platform. A single red piano is out front and centre stage. At the back of the stage, I see a stand-up bass and guitar to the left and to the right, a drum kit. It’s a simple stage set with minimal lighting. I’ll be listening to three pianists playing their baby grand pianos with a back up band for a couple of hours.

However, I soon learned that one should never underestimate the high calibre talent and musical revues that the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia delivers consistently.  I could feel the electricity in the air almost immediately when the three pianists and the two musicians stepped on to the stage. I knew at that very moment, that this performance is not going to be anything that I had imagined.

Piano Legends is on stage at the Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia until August 28.

VPP features their very own Mark Payne. He has four decades of performing as a concert pianist, a singer, actor, instrumentalist, musical director, conductor and a lover of all things music.  He takes his seat on center stage at the red baby grand piano. I have seen Mark play his keys not only at the Victoria Playhouse but also alongside Michael Vanhevel at Forest’s Kineto Theatre. Mark adds professionalism, lightheartedness, comedy and nothing but sheer joy if he is part of any theatre or musical production.

Alex Baerg, from London, Ontario is the second pianist. He is no stranger to the Victoria Playhouse and has been involved in many theatre and musical productions. He excels as a singer, a song writer, a performer, a guitarist as well as a pianist. He takes his place at the black baby grand piano to the right of the stage.

Gavin Tessier is a newcomer and is excited to be making his first appearance at the VPP.  Gavin is not only a performer in theatre and musicals, a teacher of voice and piano, he is also an adventurer. On his own, he rode his bicycle across Canada starting in Victoria, British Columbia and finishing in St. Johns, Newfoundland.  Gavin takes his seat at the white baby grand piano to the left of the stage.

You can’t have a party without the strings and the drums.  Erik Larson, an accomplished guitarist and bassist is no stranger as well to the VPP. He has performed at many other theatres and has been fortunate enough to play with some of Canada’s most celebrated musician talents such as Steven Page, Jully Black, The Tenors and Emily-Clare Barlow.

Greg Mainprize has happily made his way back to the VPP to be alongside these amazing “key ticklers”. Greg is a freelance drummer with the London jazz music and theatre scene, performing as well at the Sarnia Imperial Theatre and many others. He has backed big bands, many jazz combos and London’s best known jazz singers and instrumentalists. He is a founding member of The London Percussion Trio, has taught instrumental music at the secondary school in Strathroy for more than thirty years and has been on Percussion Faculty for National Music Camp for over two decades.

In the first act, the pianists celebrate the history of the piano which dates back to the late 1600’s. They highlight great pianists and composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin and others taking us on a musical tour throughout history. The three pianists play their pianos effortlessly, harmonizing and creating so much emotion that it brings tears to my eyes and chills to my skin. Overhead cameras allow the audience to view their fingers as they slip effortlessly up and down the keyboards. I’m mesmerized and wishing that I had continued with my piano lessons years ago.  The fun begins as the pianists continue with the tour throughout the musical decades touching on classical and jazz pieces. The pianists and back up band has the audience locked and loaded. We are hypnotized as we listen to the sounds of the great Fats Domino, only to burst into laughter as Mark recreates Jerry Lee Lewis energetically beating up his piano, pounding out the notes on the keyboard.

Freddie Mercury’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” still brings emotional excitement as I write this review.  Mark, Alex and Gavin recreated this piece with expert timing. The three pianos sing together, harmonizing but yet are distinct, the notes glide as if it’s one huge piano. Eric and Greg’s accompaniment complement the pianos and add that special touch that makes this re-creation so memorable.

Sequinned jackets add glitz in the second act. They highlight musical legends Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John in a high-energy, celebratory performance. This segment showcases these iconic artists and builds the show’s momentum, complete with flashy Elton John-style rhinestone glasses.

The spotlight shifts to the centre stage red piano for individual solos. Gavin performed Canadian Frank Mills “Music Box Dancer”, a joyful instrumental piano tune that reminds us of a wind-up music box. Alex was next and performed “Last Date” the slip-note piano style by Floyd Cramer. Last but not least Mark performed “Autumn Leaves” by Roger Williams. The recreation of rapid cascading arpeggios gave me a vivid imagery of leaves falling.

The three pianists carry on with their journey mesmerizing the audience with music from Prince. Their artistry and showmanship continue with an hilarious skit featuring Liberace.

“Pianoforte” is Italian for soft-loud, and this performance beautifully followed that analogy. It captured the history of classical composers along with the soft elegance of both the instrument and its audience. Over the decades, the piano has evolved; jazz and rock and roll brought amplified loudness, an energetic crowd, and a morphed design. This performance masterfully showcased that evolution, as the musicians took us on a journey where we could truly see, hear, and feel the music.

Piano Legends is nothing short of amazing, showcasing jaw-dropping musical talent. The packed house exuberantly laughed, whistled and clapped throughout the performance. Seeing the crowd rise to a standing ovation was the perfect end to their flawless opening night. The positive buzz that I could hear as I left the theatre reinforced that this is a must-see production that will stay with me long after that final note fades.

Piano Legends is playing at the Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia from August 11 to August 28 at 2 PM and on August 28 there is a showing at 7:30 PM with a cabaret following the performance. You can order tickets online at thevpp.ca or call the Box Office at 1-800-717-7694 or 519-882-1221

Photo: Centre: Red Piano, Mark Payne;  Left: Black Piano, Alex Baerg;  Drums, Greg Mainprize;  Right: White Piano, Gavin Tessier;  Bass, Eric Larson. Photo by Diane O’Dell.

Piano Legends
A VPP Original
Starring Mark Payne, Alex Baerg, Gavin Tessier with Eric Larson (Bass), and Greg Mainprize (Percussion).
Compiled and Arranged by Mark Payne
Director: David Hogan
Music Director: Mark Payne
Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia
August 11 to August 28, 2026
Reviewed by Marilu Murphy