Perk Up! Pianist – Sarah Hagen’s one-woman, sit-down musical comedy show
Often referred to as the next Victor Borge, Sarah has transformed her award-winning role as “concert pianist” into a stand-up, or rather, sit-down comedy. Pairing anecdotes with music, “Perk up, pianist!” takes audiences deep inside the world of a classical musician as she shares her earnest efforts to keep her spirits up in the midst of troublesome times.
Described as “one of the best hours I’ve ever spent at the Fringe” [The Coast (Halifax)], “Perk up, pianist!” tells the tale of a touring classical musician remaining optimistic in the midst of challenging and ridiculous situations.
Of the show’s debut at the Toronto Fringe Festival, Montreal Rampage wrote, “Hagen reminds us the beauty of how an honest solo performance can make you so easily fall in love with its performer.”
Select theatre performances of Perk Up! Pianist include Vernon Performing Arts Centre, The ACT Arts Centre, Surrey City Hall, and the Evergreen Cultural Centre. The show has also enjoyed successful runs at the Halifax, Edmonton, Toronto, Island, Fundy and Atlantic Fringe Festivals over the last two summers.
Recitals in Big & Small Halls: Sarah brings her unique blend of humour and excellence to the stage in personal and intimate recitals. Breaking down barriers with her engaging personality and hilarious sense of fun, she warmly invites listeners into the incredible and distinct world of classical music. Programme themes include music inspired by birds and birdsong, and a musical menagerie, music inspired by all sorts of animals. For more traditional concert societies, Sarah also offers a breathtaking and virtuosic programme with masterworks by Chopin, Haydn, and Rachmaninov.
In lecture recitals, audiences are treated to a feast for the ears, gain insight into the pianist’s perspective, and enjoy discussion over a cup of tea or a glass of wine.
