The keys are the champions
GUELPH, ON November 10, 2026 — Christmas and piano go together like cookies and milk, or like lifelong friends Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin, also known as: Piano Heist. This charismatic duo are obsessed with the classic instrument and are out to prove that everyone else should be too. Piano Heist: A Very Merry Heistmas brings comedic spins on holiday favourites to River Run Centre’s Main Stage on Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin draw inspiration from the masterpieces of legendary composers, songwriters, and performers of the last three centuries. Throughout their lifetime of friendship and musical careers, they realized that piano was no longer as popular as it should be. Determined to restore its luster and reclaim its title as the ultimate instrument, the pals started Piano Heist in 2022.
What blossomed from there is a mesmerising genre of entertainment. Piano Heist shows feature a delightful blend of theatrical magic, humour, a sprinkle of history, and an explosion of musical creativity. This talented duo makes music out of Christmas crackers, plays a tiny grand piano, and tries to break a giant chestnut with their bare hands, among other entertaining shenanigans.
As the pair describes, “This family friendly concert may cause holiday cheer, uncontrollable laughter, and suspiciously warm fuzzy feelings.” Throughout the evening, they play songs such as a rock ‘n’ roll version of “The Nutcracker Suite,” “Handel’s Messiah” on melodicas, a rollicking ragtime “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and more.
This show is part of the Wooly Family Series, with support from local establishment and Series Sponsor, The Wooly Pub. This series offers a mix of classic and modern storytelling, promising something fun for all ages. Full of personality and commanding curiosity, these shows are curated to create meaningful and lasting memories for the whole family. Season Sponsor Richardson Wealth and the Government of Canada also help make this show possible.
Tickets to Piano Heist: A Very Merry Heistmas are $32 for adults, $30 for patrons over 60, $20 for those under 30, and $10 for under 14. Sliding Scale tickets are also available for $20 and $10. Groups of 10 or more can save 10% with promo code GROUP10, or Subscribe & Save 20% when you buy tickets to four or more shows. For more information or to purchase, call 519-763-3000, visit River Run’s Box Office at 35 Woolwich Street in Guelph, or purchase tickets online.
FOR INFORMATION
Kasia Rusiniak | Program Manager, Development and Marketing
River Run Centre
City of Guelph
519-837-5662 ext. 2589
[email protected]