This production is part of the GCTC 25/26 Season.
[Image description: Text per below. A photo of two women sitting at an upright wooden piano. There are mismatched table lamps on each side of the piano and a brick wall behind them. One woman wears glasses and has light hair. She plays the piano while the woman beside her, with dark brown hair, watches.]
The Piano Teacher
February 3 - 15, 2026
written by Dorothy Dittrich
directed by Evalyn Parry
featuring Elisa Moolecherry, Eric Davis & Karin Randoja
a Thousand Islands Playhouse production
What would you do if you lost the life you knew?
Erin, a renowned classical pianist, experiences a devastating family tragedy. Because of this she finds herself unable to play music or even touch a piano. As she navigates the loss of the life she knew, she begins taking in-home piano lessons from Elaine. Elaine reacquaints Erin with the instrument, giving her new hope for the future. In Erin's own home, a reconstruction project brings new light and life to the space, and a new relationship.
The Piano Teacher is a beautiful story of loss, love, friendship and the healing power of music. Winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama in 2022.
Content Note
The following topics are part of the show - some significant and others are only mentioned: Strong Language, Disability (arthritis and an undiagnosed condition related to trauma), and Death and Loss.
Extended content notes provide more details about what to expect. If you would like to know more about this show's content before attending, click here for more information.
Artistic Team
Caitlin Hart | Apprentice Stage Manager
Emlyn VanBruinswaardt | Stage Manager
Jawon Kang | Set & Costume Designer
Nic Lindegger | Assistant Director
Richard Feren | Sound Designer
Za Hughes | Lighting Designer
This play is gorgeous, emotional, and full of the most beautiful music. It will stir and revive the soul.
Evalyn Parry, who deftly helmed 24-25’s Why It’s imPossible, returns to direct.
Showtimes |
|---|
|
Tuesday-Friday 7:30pm
Saturday: 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Sunday: 2:00pm
The Piano Teacher is approximately 2 hours long, plus a 20 minute intermission. Responding to audience feedback, we’ve changed our evening showtimes to 7:30pm. Matinees are still at 2:00pm. |
Add-on Event |
|---|
|
Stages & Pages:
Sunday, Feb 8, 12:30pm
A book talk series hosted by Octopus Books, exploring themes from GCTC’s mainstage shows. |
Add-on Event |
|---|
|
Clay & Play:
Saturday, Feb 14, 4 - 6pm
Join GCTC and Hintonburg Pottery for an afternoon of creativity, inspired by the show. |
Add-on Event |
|---|
|
Pre-Show Musical Talk:
Feb 6 & 11, 6:30pm
Explore the music of "The Piano Teacher" in a spoiler-free pre-show talk.. |
Accessible Performances
For information on accessible performances, see the calendar below. For more information about accessibility at GCTC, click here.
Calendar
Performance Dates: February 3 - 15, 2026
[Image description: A two week calendar with performance types and associated dates.]
[Image description: Calendar legend for Preview, Opening Night, Pay-What-You-Decide, Post-Show Talkback, Relaxed Performance, ASL Performance and Mask Required performances.]