Photo Coverage: A HANDFUL OF KEYS Opens Off-Broadway

New York, January 16, 2013 -- A HANDFUL OF KEYS, one of South Africa's longest-running two-hander musical revues, which pays humorous tribute to famous classical and contemporary pianists/performers -- from Bach and Beethoven to Elton John and Vanessa Carlton, made its Off-Broadway debut during its special two-night only performance at the York Theatre Company's St. Peter's Church Theatre at CitiCorp in Midtown Manhattan on January 14 to 15.

A HANDFUL OF KEYS, created by Ian Von Memerty ("Strictly Come Dancing," "Crazy For You") and Bryan Schimmer ("Jersey Boys," "Dreamgirls"), which premiered in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1994, now stars Memerty and 2012 BroadwayWorld Award-winning actor Jonathan Roxmouth ("The Phantom of the Opera," "Beauty and the Beast"), whose combined comic flair, exceptional piano skills and vocal talents shone through on Tuesday evening.

Tuesday evening performance was even made more momentous when yours truly, wearing the hat of regional editor for BroadwayWorld Philippines, was asked by Memerty to join the two actors on stage (prior to the musical finale) to personally present to Roxmouth his BroadwayWorld Award for Best Actor in a Musical ("The Phantom of the Opera").

At 25 years old, Roxmouth, the world's "youngest Phantom," has wowed both South African and Filipino audiences with his take on the highly coveted role of the Phantom in the international touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera."

Memerty and Roxmouth bring A HANDFUL OF KEYS on the road to the Elgar Room at Royal Albert Hall in London on January 24 and at the Madinat Theatre in Dubai on February 7 to 9.

Watch for BroadwayWorld's exclusive sit-down interview with Mr. Roxmouth coming out soon.

Photos by Robby Manubay

Ian Von Memerty as Elton John

Ian Von Memerty as Elton John

Jonathan Roxmouth as Liberace

Jonathan Roxmouth sings the male version of "On My Own" from LES MIZ

Jonathan Roxmouth sings the male version of "On My Own" from LES MIZ

Jonathan Roxmouth with a prop from "Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS"

Ian Von Memerty, Oliver Oliveros, Jonathan Roxmouth

Ian Von Memerty, Jonathan Roxmouth

Ian Von Memerty, Jonathan Roxmouth

BWW friend Wendy Misa, Oliver Oliveros, Jonathan Roxmouth