If there’s a big floor piano in your vicinity, you should try to emulate Tom Hanks’s dance of “Heart and Soul” on the piano. It’s definitely going to be fun to learn how to dance on a big piano like Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia did in the movie ‘Big’
Big Piano
One of the several attractions at popular stores is the “Big Piano,” which as made famous by the movie Big (featuring Tom Hanks). Lot of visitors try to reenact the piano scene from “Big” when they come across a floor piano.
The movie ‘Big’ always will be remembered for one scene: Tom Hanks, Robert Loggia, and a giant floor piano. (The piano is so integral to the film that it was also the centerpiece of the short-lived Broadway musical.)
In the movie, Tom Hanks and actor Robert Loggia have a memorable dance to the catchy piano songs “Heart and Soul” and “Chopsticks” while in a toy store. Robert Loggia portrayed MacMillan, who was modeled after then-FAOSchwarz CEO Peter L. Harris.
The original “Walking Piano” on display at FAO Schwarz was six-and-a-half-foot long (one-octave) but it could not comfortably accommodate the two actors with their dance moves.
Italian artist inventor Remo Saraceni built a 16-foot long, full three-octave piano so that Josh and MacMillan could play “Heart and Soul”. After the movie’s success, Remo Saraceni began selling the 16-foot giant floor piano for $15,000.
The combination of “Heart and Soul” along with “Chopsticks” can be a challenging cardio workout for anyone on the floor piano. But even Tom Hanks and Loggia practiced for months for the dance number.
As per grapevine, on the day the piano scene was about to be shot, director Penny Marshall had instructed stunt dancers dressed like Tom Hanks and Loggia to be on stand-by just in case the two stars couldn’t pull off the number. However, Loggia told the stunt dancers to “take a hike” and the scene was done in “just about one take.
Big (1988) – Playing the Piano Scene
You get smaller versions of these floor pianos, known as floor piano mats, which are great fun for the kids.
Schwarz Giant Piano
FAO Schwarz (the fabled toy Store), and its iconic piano, have returned to NYC (after it shut down in 2015). The famous toy store known for it’s “Big” piano has made Rockefeller Center its new home.
Fans used to visit the giant piano at FAO Schwarz’s flagship store on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue and perform their own version of the classic Hanks/Loggia “Heart and Soul” duet.
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As part of the relaunch, the store hired product demonstrators, magicians, and performers to dance on the giant piano.
FAO Schwarz is known for its unique high-end toys, life-sized stuffed animals, dolls, and games.
The Original Big Piano designed by Remo Saraceni
Now you can own a piece of cinematic history, the original edition of the Big Piano made famous by the classic movie “Big” (starring Tom Hanks) is now up for grabs. Created by the Italian artist inventor Remo Saraceni, this piano has entertained countless fans and still attracts people from all over the world.
Big Piano Models
The Big Piano produces melodic tones and the keys light up as you move over the keyboard. You can show your skills at playing a song or try to learn one.
Big Piano Rentals
The Big Piano can serve as an educational tool, a popular attraction, or just for having fun. You can rent one for your evening party, festival, TV show, for your promotion, corporate event and roadshow. More here.
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