Light in the Piazza on PBS Tonight! — Page 12

I think Wicked is one of the few shows that doesn't need the exposure. But I agree with the sentiment - they should do it more often.

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I loved Piazza when I saw it last year with the original cast, but I wasn't really taken with the Live from Lincoln Center last night. I watched a half hour or so of it, then moved on to something else. It's a shame they couldn't have finangled Kelli O'Hara in there somehow, because Katie Clarke just didn't do it for me...and on screen, Victoria came off just as nutty as poor Clara (with all of her mannered gesticulation, etc).

It's a shame, because I was really looking forward to this, but perhaps this is why more shows aren't recorded in this way. They just don't translate. Granted, I didn't watch the whole thing, and maybe if I'd stuck it out, it would have evened out for me, but from what I saw...eh.

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I now understand this show's widespread appeal. I always thought the music was beautiful, and very original. Guettel is a budding genius.

But WHY did this show catch on with theatre-goers? No fancy FX, no cherry-picker... no "pop anthems" for tweeners to sing in the shower, no kick-ass rock songs ripe for remixing... so why? It's an "adult" musical, with an unapologetic romantic momentum behind it.

As I was crying (yes, I admit it) through the last 20 minutes of the PBS broadcast... I started to understand the "why," at least for me... and perhaps it is the reason for others as well...

I identify with Margaret and Clara, far more than I ever thought I would. They are nothing like me as people. We don't share the same backgrounds, the same eras, or the same gender. So how could I relate so fundamentally to them?

With Clara: There are times, over these years, when I had thought I might not be capable of loving someone that way... that completely. To be that committed. In a way, I thought of myself as "handicapped." I wasn't sure I was "normal" enough to have that kind of love, and to give that kind of love. There was something in me that wasn't good enough, or sturdy enough.

With Margaret: She is the "responsible" voice in my head, that ultimately gives in to reason. When she sang "Love if you can then, my Clara!" I was bawling. No joke. She was the voice in my own head and heart telling me it's okay to do it. Even if you think you aren't capable, you can take the risk, and the leap of faith... and give it a shot. No guarantees. But at least, you should try.

I've been with my partner now for 10 years (this month!). This show reminded me of what it was like to fall in love, and to take that leap of faith and commitment.

I believe this is why "The Light in the Piazza" has enjoyed a popularity beyond the expectations of so many.

And then... there's that beautiful music... to remind us.

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Anyone else need a Kleenex?

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The "hat" moment and "Love to Me" both get me each and every time!!

My boss thanked me profusely this morning that I let her know it was going to be on. She said it was one of the best things she has seen. I told her it was even better in the theatre.

Best12, to answer your question. It was the sheer beauty of the piece, that got me. The sets, music, costumes, performances. After seeing it for the very first time almost a year ago, I was so choked up by the end, I couldn't speak about it. It was such an amazingly beautiful experience. The moment with the hat, gives me chills (even thinking about it). It's just so romantic. I am going to the final performance (which will be the 5th time for me), and each time I have seen it, it has effected me in the same way.

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Updated On: 6/16/06 at 11:10 AM

Best12bars - Beautifully said.

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My boss and I also share our love of Piazza. I made her go and she hasn't stopped thanking me. Now if I could persuade her to promote me.
We spent about an hour this morning discussing the broadcast. I saw this cast as well as the original. She did not see the original cast, but has seen the last two. We agree that Victoria is just perfection -- every nuance is brillance.
She will also be in the audience for the last show Dottie -- Redhead, fourth row.

"Ha! When I started to read your post (hate this show, so boring) I sensed that you'd be a WICKED fan.".

And a "Lestat" fan!

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This is such a great example of the "positive aspects" and power of TV.

Broadcasting a Broadway show will never take the place of seeing it live... and in fact, I can't wait to see "Piazza" on stage now, when it comes to L.A. (very soon!). And that anticipation is accelerated now, because of last night's airing.

I'm sure it didn't get "Idol" ratings... but I dare say more people were introduced to this show last night than during its entire run at the Beaumont.

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Updated On: 6/16/06 at 11:43 AM

I noticed the empty seats but some of them seemed to be empty to accomodate the cameras.

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Gahhhh! That's so sad! I'd attend if I could... *sob* It's upsetting because my brother's going to grad school in NY, so I FINALLY might be able to get to NYC to see a show sometime... but it's closing before then! Sigh.

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Couldn't they at least have had subtitles for the Italian because I couldn't understand what the hell they were saying!

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jasobres: As has been explained a million times, they felt it was necessary to make us, too, feel like we were in a foreign land. Also, the language barriers are important throughout the show.

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