Theater group repairs damaged Steinway piano

Alpine Theatre Project is paying for thousands of dollars in repairs to a concert-caliber grand piano after it was apparently damaged during a recent production at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

The Steinway D anniversary series piano was used during Alpine Theatre’s summer performance of “Chicago.” According to John Simpson, who spearheaded the fundraising effort to purchase the $79,000 instrument, ATP’s show included a moment when actors danced on top of the piano.

“I don’t know how they got the idea that they wanted to use the Steinway to dance on,” Simpson said. “That’s unbelievable they could come up with such an idea, but they did it.”

He said the piano lid was left noticeably scratched after the show.

“We got the piano in excellent condition on the inside and in very good condition on the outside,” Simpson said. “Now there are scratches and gouges. It’s significant damage.”

The Steinway was sent to Salt Lake City for repairs totaling about $2,600. It will be back in Whitefish prior to the upcoming Peter Nero concert slated for Sept. 12 at the Performing Arts Center.

Alpine Theatre artistic director Betsi Morrison said their insurance is covering the repairs.

“The lid will be completely refurbished — all on ATP’s dime,” she said. “The bottom line is that it will be in much better condition than when it was purchased. We always make good on anything that happens on our watch.”

Morrison denied claims that the piano was abused during the show. She said a protective layer of particle board was placed on top of the piano for the scene in “Chicago,” and that no one danced on it.

“There was a moment where a girl that weighs 115 pounds stood on it in a pose,” she explained. “Each moment was no more than 30 seconds.”

“We did extensive research of whether or not someone could stand on the Steinway and what steps should be taken.”

Simpson says the cost of the repair isn’t what is upsetting to the donors who helped bring the piano to Whitefish three years ago.

“It’s the idea that someone would do that is what is so upsetting to people,” he said.

“It’s no way to treat a Steinway,” he added, referencing the famous Irving Berlin song.

The Steinway was purchased for the auditorium following an extensive fundraising effort. The piano was donated to the Whitefish School District and is stored at the PAC.

Alpine Theatre leases use of the auditorium from the school district.