• After a successful run last year, Portland Stage Company decided it would be smart to bring back the play “2 Pianos 4 Hands.” The show, which plays at the theater through July 1, is unusual for Portland Stage. For one, it’s out of season; the theater’s regular season ended last month. And two, this exact show was here just a year ago.

But given the popularity of the play, the theater decided it would be a good test of audience loyalty and perhaps help determine whether it can compete with Maine’s traditional summer theaters.

“2 Pianos 4 Hands” is a comedy by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt about the rigors of becoming a classical pianist. A comedy with abundant musical flourishes, the play recounts the true story of two men on their musical journey from boys to men.

Tom Frey and Jeffrey Rockwell star. They play more than 20 characters, bringing to life childhood memories of teachers, lessons, parents, recitals, auditions and their shared drive to achieve greatness. Tickets range from $12 for children to $40 for adults. Call 774-0465 or visit portlandstage.org.

Meanwhile, the summer theater season is in full swing. Arundel Barn Playhouse opens with “Forever Plaid” through June 23 (985-5552 or arundelbarnplayhouse.com); Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick mounts an ambitious version of “A Chorus Line,” also through June 23 (725-8769 or msmt.org); and the Ogunquit Playhouse continues its version of “Always Patsy Cline” through Saturday (646-5511 or ogunquitplayhouse.org).

 

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