TGIF's 'The Light in the Piazza' Review 3.25.05

[TGIF]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 2:02pm

When I return home from an evening at the theatre, I look forward to writing my thoughts down about the show – for myself and to share with you guys. However after seeing The Light in the Piazza I am dreading writing this. For no matter what I write I will not be able to do this wonderful show justice.

Guettel’s score is romantic and rich. It was a delight to hear something so lush and had so much substance, which seems to be a rarity in other shows that are currently playing on the Great White Way. All the voices in the cast are top notch; (more on the cast later) at times sounding operatic; they add so much emotion and depth to the already moving music.

The book matches the score step by step. The audience cares about the characters and what will happen to them. It is lighthearted when it should be and somber when needed. It works and it flows, unlike All Shook Up which when it tried to be serious it just didn’t quite work.

The aesthetics of the show (lighting, costumes, and sets) are all breathtaking. Designers made excellent use of the enormous stage at the Beaumont theatre, actually making you feel like you are in Florence (and Rome), Italy.

Now Miss Victoria Clark. She needs to start making room on a shelf for her Tony. She truly does an extraordinary job in the role. I don’t think I have ever witnessed a finer job in both acting and singing. I too like my share of belters, however, none of that compares to what Clark does. In fact I doubt whether any of the other females up for the Tony even come close to serving as competition, even Sherie, who holds a special place in my heart, stands no chance. Her end number (Fable) is so moving. I believe no one breathed during that number at all, instead just sat there in awe of what they were witnessing.

Kelli O’Hare is a breath of fresh air. It is so nice to see her in something so quickly after performing in the flop, Dracula. Her voice is angelic yet so powerful. I was sitting in the loge and for the size of the theatre (pretty darn big for those of you who have yet to be there) she fills it effortlessly – something even the beloved Idina couldn’t do, often audibly straining for notes. Her acting is up to par as well.

Matt Morrison has shown so much growth since Hairspray. I am so glad he came into this show and was able to display all he has to offer as a performer. You can see all the work he has put into this role, both acting-wise and vocally. His Italian accent is dead on, as well as his mannerisms (according to the dear QueenMuppet who accompanied me). His voice is so impressive and especially shines in the Italian sung song Il Mondo Era Vuoto.

I predict the cast a crew taking home a good amount of Tony’s this year. Most definitely Clark’s Best Leading Actress, as well as ones for Best Score (NOTE:I have yet to see Spelling Bee), set, and lighting. Definite nominations for book and best musical, however those two seem to be up for grabs.

Updated On: 3/26/05 at 02:02 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 2:06pm

[apdarcey]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 2:16pm

can't wait to see it in may!

[commasplice]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 2:18pm

Great review! I wish I could see this show.

[QueenMuppet]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 4:26pm

Wow! This was the one word I kept saying when I left the theatre last night. It's been quite a while since I left a theatre and just loved every second of a show.

TGIF wrote a beautiful review and there's not a lot more I can add or want to add. It's a wonderful, beautiful show with an amazing cast and I really hope it gets the recognition it deserves.

There is really just one minor criticism I have and that was probably with the direction of the character Clara.... BIG SPOILER AHEAD!

*SPOILER* We eventually find out what's wrong with Clara in the second act. I would have never guessed that Clara was still a twelve-year girl emotionally and mentally. Kelly plays the character more like a naive, young 18-year old. She doesn't always come across as a young child, especially not when dealing with Fabrizio, so I didn't find that twist totally believable after having waited for it on the edge of my seat throughout the show *END OF SPOILER*

The whole cast is absolutely wonderful. I haven't got my Playbill on me at the moment, so I can't give two performers credit who did a terrific job (Fabrizio's dad and his sister-in-law) and the obvious outstanding Kelli O'Hare, Victoria Clark and Matt Morrison (he HAS to be Italian with that accent and mannerism).

Truly wonderful show, I loved every second of it. So far, the strongest Tony candidate in my opinion.

QM

[PJ]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 4:26pm

I must see this show. They have student rush, correct?

[MusicalDirector109]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 4:32pm

Where is the show playing? Could I get a ticket next week?? It sounds wonderful.

[TGIF]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 4:33pm

Yes, but it is one ticket per student ID.

Its playing at Lincoln Centre.

[PJ]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 4:34pm

Yeah I know about the Lincoln Center student discount-thing, but there was a post a few days ago about how Beaumont is offering general rush as well.

[QueenMuppet]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 4:35pm

Guys, try to see this in previews. Once the word goes round after opening night this will be one hot ticket.

PJ, student rush goes on sale at 6pm. And no general rush apparently.

QM

Updated On: 3/26/05 at 04:35 PM

[PJ]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 4:39pm

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardname=bway&thread=842382#877329

[MusicalDirector109]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 4:42pm

When does it open?? This really sounds like a musical that I want to see. The musicals this year are crappy. Something intelligent - who would have thunk it!!

[QueenMuppet]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 5:04pm

It opens on 04/18. Go and see it.

QM

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 5:57pm

How was the staging? And the set? Did they go back to minimalist sets or try the awnings and stuff from Chicago?

[QueenMuppet]

Posted: 3/26/05 at 8:13pm

Borstalboy, the sets were amongst the most beautiful I've ever seen, you literally thought you were in Italy.
I haven't seen the minimalist sets you're refering to but the current ones consist of awnings, cafes, musuems (with huge paintings and sculptures), gates etc.

QM

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/29/05 at 12:20pm

Does anyone know if it is a similar set design as the production at the Goodman in Chicago? It sounds like it is, but I don't have my Playbill here to check. I was very impressed with the design in Chicago. I'm so happy to see all the positive reviews on the board. When I saw Victoria in Chicago, I smelled a Tony right then. I hope the Tonys don't turn this show into another Caroline, or Change.