Big the musical: Recreating the Walking Piano at MLOC

Trish Carr, director of MLOC’s big the musical, was determined to recreate the Big Piano, which is played by the user’s feet tapping the keys to make music, best known for its appearance in the 1988 comedy Big, starring Tom Hanks.

This Walking Piano is a synthesizer, invented in 1976 by Pennsylvania, PA kinetic artist and inventor Remo Saraceni, merging dance, music and play

Trish says she and Les Marton firstly set out researching the piano, and Les then designed a single key working prototype which they presented at the show’s Information Evening earlier this year.

“Following that, he needed to consider size and space for storage – as you know, the theatre has very little storage space,” says Trish.

Les designed the 24 keys (three octaves) needed to perform the number over three manageable units, which are heavy, and consideration of a low profile was needed for safety.

Trish says the low profile also caused issue with ensuring suitability of fitting all the electronics required to make it operate, and also to sustain 100+KG as well, without breaking.

“The dancing and jumping means the units need to take a pounding,” she says.

“Les also had to consider the audience below stage level, and therefore we added a separate section at the front that lit up and linked to each key as it was depressed. Each key contains LED strips, all wired to switches that depress on pressure from the player’s feet, which in turn switches the corresponding light in the front of the panel.”

Trish says that there are over 20 metres of LED strips across the three units and many metres of wiring as well as switches, and three rechargeable battery packs to power the boards.

With the help of MLOC’s Garry Bertrand, they constructed the timber base and inserted Perspex in units to form the keys. This has resulted in a rather amazing light-up piano which, Trish believes, is a big highlight of the show.

The piano will be available for hire following MLOC’s production by calling (03) 9720 1177 .

Trish says she is also thinking of another show to use it in.

“It’s my favorite piece of set - I would love a play on it.”

Big the musical can be seen at the Phoenix Theatre, 101 Glenhuntly Road, Elwood until 22 June, 2013.

Bookings: www.mloc.org.au   Enquiries: (03) 9808 9775 

Image: The Walking Piano specially built for MLOC’s big the musical.Photography: Trish Carr

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