Light in the Piazza on PBS Tonight!- Page 11

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:07am

Oh, I also ment to mention the brillant directing. I loved how Sher staged the show. With the sets and the stunning lighting, Italy really came alive. I loved how he had people in the background just going on with their everyday lives. I loved the realism. I liked what he did with the songs and the intimate scenes. I felt like the actors had true direction instead of just "do what you feel the character would do." My question though - no one answered it earlier - where do the actors go when they exit downstage? Into the orchestra or out through the audience and to the lobby? That's a really cool theater.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:13am

Roninjoey: I agree about Katie Clarke being unable to handle the role. It makes me so mad because Jennifer Hope Wills auditioned for it! I really want to know how Katie was cast.

LostLeander: YES you said exactly what I was thinking. If Adam Guettel didn't want Clara to have a gorgeous legit soprano voice, he wouldn't have given her gorgeous legit soprano songs. "Say It Somehow" goes up to A6. Not something you'd give a role meant for a bad singer!

Also, I always thought Clara's songs are a way for us to access her emotions, not necessarily be realistic (everyone has pointed out the lyrics which are too compolicated for a girl who is mentally 10-years-old and thus should be more along the lines of "Castle on a Cloud." Hehe.)

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:19am

I think the lyrics fit. Beauty Is is a very spastic type song which is the way Clara thinks. Same with Piazza - somewhat.

Maybe Jennifer Hope Willis couldn't "act" the role. Sure she can sing it - she's in Phantom - but maybe she didn't act as convincingly as Katie?

[Roninjoey]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:20am

I think the point is that the character feels adult emotions, even if she can't quite comprehend what's going on in her mind.

Rentboy: The aahs either just mean vocalizing or they signify the place where the characters can't find the words to convey to each other what they are trying to say. The song is called Say It Somehow, and it's about the characters trying to communicate their love to one another, and finally they break down and just aah at each other because music is the universal language of love. Same as in Let's Walk. The Aaahs there are more conflicted as the characters have more complicated emotions. It's all part of this overarching metaphor about communication that plays a big part in the story. Like when Clara comes out towards the end and just goes "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah"? She can't express herself in words, but we get it from the music.

And if you don't see what's so special about Vicky's performance or the music, ah well! Get the CD and really listen to it, in particular the final number. The words, the music.

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:26am

RentBoy, thanks for bringing up the point about the directing. Exactly what I thought about it.

Also, there are six entrances and exits. The stage is a thrust (3/4) and so there is audience on three sides of the stage. There are entrances/exits upstage (stage right and left), in the middle (SR and SL), and two which are in the middle of the audience. They don't really extend into the audience, they are steps that lead down from the stage and go down into the pit level, I would assume.

~Steven

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:30am

Now that I've seen this, I wonder how all these exits and entrances will work on tour. I'll be seeing it at the Orpheum in SF. I can't imagine they'll be going through the audience all that much.

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:33am

Well, every show modifies when it goes on tour. So, yes, I'd imagine they'd rework all of the staging, etc.

~Steven

[EugLoven]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:35am

To those people criticizing (or having a problem with the people criticizing) Katie Clarke, I borrow the words of Man in Chair:

"Now some say that Percy Hyman acted like a Toothpaste Advertiser. And to those people I say... shut up!"

There, now are you going to argue with the most lauded musical theatre fan on Broadway today?

If you enjoyed the show you should know better now than to click on a thread of the subject, especially on BWW.com. I personally loved it because I'm one of the few 21 year olds who is absolutely enamoured to this musical.

I saw this cast back on April 1, 2006 (but both Lazar and Berry were out) so it was quite a treat to relive it and see it for the first time all at the same time. I can't wait for the tour to swing into SF to see it all over again!

And the beauty is... Guettel. Updated On: 6/16/06 at 02:35 AM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:38am

Good point Lizz.

Roninjoey - thanks for that. I understand it in some places, but in Statues and Stories the "Aahs" don't seem to work for me. It's just the ensemble members singing it, but I don't like the way it fits in with what the main characters are singing.

And I don't mean to knock Vicki's performance. It was great, but I just don't feel like it's this huge monumental role that everyone made it out to be. However, I thought she did so much with the role. I really liked how realistic she came across. Soemone said she's just playing herself, which they might think because she's acts with such ease. I loved the whole beginging of the show. When she's trying to get Katie away from Aaron. But I agree that the ending song should have been bigger. I'm not saying she needs to belt her head out, but the song should just have been more rememorable or just "more." There was something missing.

[whimsical]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:39am

Does anyone remember the squabble about the 42nd Street revival Peggy? Kate or Meredith. That was the biggest divide I remember since now.

[LostLeander]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:56am

Ok, the show kind of turned into The Mentally Challenged Girl in the Piazza.

Katie's hands really became an issue for me, and I ended up really not liking Katie's performance. I think she, as we like to say, "played the obstacle". I wouldn't call her hands "nuanced" or necessarily indictive of good acting. I thought it was kind of self indulgent and, for me, it took a lot away from the performance, story, etc.

I think part of Clara's problem is that she is extremely sheltered, yes in part by her small disability, but mostly by Margaret. The story is as much about Margaret letting go, as Clara falling in love. The issue at hand is not Clara's disability, but Margaret's control. Of course, her disability is an issue, but not the HUGE one Katie's characterization made it out to be. Katie sounded fine, though.

Victoria LIVES that role. I guess she's not eligible for an Emmy?

The show looks gorgeous. It's beautifully directed for TV, very unabtrusive, letting the story shine through. Deeply moving. For all my criticisms of Katie, I still think the story was told gorgeously, and I'm only highlighting my reservations about Katie, but she in no way ruined the piece for me.

I'm so happy this show was preserved.

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 2:59am

Aaron Lazar lunging in the hallways during intermission was possibly the cutest thing I have ever seen.

And, for the record, I really enjoyed Katie's performance. You're always nay-saying!

Posted: 6/16/06 at 3:08am

First of all, Aaron Lazar was simply amazing. His voice, his movement, his acting-- all of it were fabulous. I especially loved him during "Aiutami" and "Love to Me." There were a few times I wanted him to back off the operatic punch-- which he clearly can do!-- but it's his choice and his voice, not mine. I really loved his performance.

Victoria Clark. Perfect. Her reprise of "The Beauty Is" and both "Dividing Day" and its preliminary scene? Gah. She's amazingly real and committed and I don't think anyone deserved the Tony more.

Katie just sounded young to me-- which I guess is appropriate? The only places I noticed any real clunkers were "Clara's Interlude" and the part of "Say It Somehow" that's stylistically similar. I like that she's a real girl, too. You couldn't bust her in half over your knee. She's 21, she'll develop more presence with more experience, I'd wager. I just wish that she moved her arms when she walked.

I teared up during the title number and dropped my remote at the end of "Let's Walk." Somehow, didn't expect the sexual tension from the recording-- but I usually skip that one.

I was worried I would be disappointed and think it was boring or pretentious because of all of the reviews I've heard that say the same things. I loved it. It was beautiful and moving. Glad to have it on the Tivo!

[whimsical]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 3:11am

I know what you mean about Let's Walk. Wow.

[Tirso de Molina]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 3:52am

I agree -- "Let's Walk" was so subtly done by Clark and Sarandon that it might have been even stronger with camera close-ups than it is from the audience at the Vivian Beaumont. I was awed at the delicate interplay of emotions they brought to that scene.

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 3:59am

"Let's Walk" was one of the most beautiful scenes. It was handled so well. I think in the Beaumont, it played as intimately as it did on TV. The audience is definitely on the edge of their seats at that point. That's one scene I'm ecstatic to have on video. Just beautiful.

~Steven

[Gregster]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 6:09am

ARGH!! im so jealous... being in merry old england sometimes has disadvantages it seems! would anyone be kind enough to help out a brit in need coz i really really want a copy! PM me!

[movieinmymind]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 6:44am

i sat front row when i saw LITP live, but, yes, when i watched "let's walk," i was on the edge of my seat. they DID play it just as intimately as you saw on TV. i was breathless. sarandon and clark play that scene on the dot that you can't help but forget where you are.

[All_For_Laura]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 6:54am

I really thought it was great. Was very impressed with Katie and Aaron's performance. I saw it two weeks ago with Jennifer Hughes and David Burnham playing those parts and I liked them better, but thats not to say Aaron and Katie were not good. Victoria gives a smashing performance as always And the lovely Sarah Berry and Patti Cohenhour shined!

[Fiction Writer]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 7:09am

I'm watching it now... but missed the first hour. I love the set and lighting though.

(I'm not a big fan of walls. Not sure why.)

[Barihunk]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 8:43am

A huge thank you to the folks at PBS and Live from Lincoln Center for this telecast. A treat from beginning to end. I saw the show right after it opened last year and was so happy to revisit it last night. This is definitely a show that deepens and enriches on repeat viewings.

Victoria Clark was perfection. Katie Clarke was very convincing in the role - the singing was weak (the top has no bloom) but very admirable work for a 22 year old. (I couldn't help thinking during the show how perfect she would be for Elle Wood in "Legally Blonde"). Aaron Lazar made me swoon - how wonderful to hear those songs sung by a legit voice. The supporting cast is just perfect - Chris Sarandon is a major asset.

My only complaint was the conducting of Kim Grigsby - why was she in such an all-fire hurry? The tempi were distractingly fast and "Aiutami" almost derailed completely. Someone needs to give that woman a xanex with a percocet chaser.

I do want to give a shout out to the TV director, Kirk Browning - I thought he handled the camera shots beautifully. I had very few complaints with his choices (a close up of the end of "Dividing Day" would have been nice). At 85 years old the man is without peer in capturing live performances such as this - I hope he is remembered for this beautiful piece of work come Emmy time. I am just thrilled to have this recorded to watch again and again - it's going in the library right next to the NYCO "Night Music" and the MET's "Dialogues of the Carmelites" (both directed by Browning).

Updated On: 6/16/06 at 08:43 AM

[Katecab99]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 9:05am

I love this show *so* much, and it was filmed beautifully. Sadly, I was totally unimpressed with Katie Clarke, but other than that I thought it was wonderful.

[circusliz]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 9:35am

Ahhh! My VCR died just before "Let's Walk"! Can anyone help me? PM please!


Although I liked the original cast better, this was still an enjoyable show (what I saw of it, at least). I agree with what most people have said about Katie being weaker than Kelli vocally, but stronger in terms of an emotional and physical connection. I am undecided about Aaron--sometimes I liked his vocals, sometimes I didn't.

The one thing I didn't really like was the woman playing the docent (museum guide). Was it just me or did her accent seem really off, especially compared to the rest of the "Italian" cast?

[morosco]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 9:41am

"I do want to give a shout out to the TV director, Kirk Browning - I thought he handled the camera shots beautifully."

I agree. He was never afraid to give us a full stage shot to relish the full stage picture.

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 6/16/06 at 10:00am

I hate this show, so boring. But the direction and recording of this show was fantastic. I wish this would have more often. Wouldn't it be cool if Fox aired Wicked live? Even if the show is terrible at least people outside the tri-state area can see a live show.