THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 1:52am

attended the performance of THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA (Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas’ new musical) tonight at the Goodman. I have to say the Goodman is batting zero as far as new musicals go. First THE VISIT, then BOUNCE and now LIGHT.

There are some really great performances and a couple of beautiful songs, but as a whole it really does not work. If you want to see this show I would suggest you get your butt to Chicago, cuz I really don’t think it’ll get to New York, at least in the present condition.

Victoria Clark and Celia Keenan-Bolger were both very lovely and quite moving as the Mother and Daughter, and the rest of the principals were pretty solid, but the direction is very awkward and at times even laughable. The Costumes were gorgeous, though.
The score fluctuates between beautiful ballads that sent chills through me to horrible ear shattering screaming. The songs were not integrated smoothly into the book, nor did they do much to further the plot. I found the lyrics vague and rather lackluster.


The audience reception was polite but most seemed rather under whelmed.

It’s too bad, I really wanted to like it but it boy, does it need some work.

Anyone else see it yet?

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 10:09am

I'm going to try and see it this week.

[MusicMan]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 10:18am

I've heard some of the songs and can't say they made much of an impression. But I'm not a fan of Floyd Collins either.
Though I love the movie with all its Florentine settings and great art, I think it's a bit of a strange story for musicalization to begin with. Does the mother's dilemma of "should I or I shouldn't tell" about the daughter have any currency today or does it seem dated?
By the way, as Chicagoans, have either of you ever seen anything at Theater Building chicago (formerly New Tuners), Sueleen and Mister Matt??

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 10:28am

I saw Children of Eden there a couple of years ago. I believe it has two stages. I've only been in one. It was a good space. I believe it is primarily a space rented out to various theatre companies.

[MusicMan]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 10:36am

Thanks, Mister Matt. I ask because I might get a chance to work there.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 11:08am

Actually, there are three theatres in the theatre building,a very small studio, a rather nice sized proscenium and a small 3/4 space. I have seen numerous shows in each space, all produced by different companies.

As for your question about the Mother's dilemma in LIGHT, she tries to tell the family but because of the language barrier, and their excitement to meet them she never really gets to tell them. So it is not as if she is trying to deceive them, but by the time the secret in revealed, I believe the character has decided it may not matter if they know, just as long as the girl is happy.

[Menken Fan]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 4:44pm

I'm going to see this next week. Even if it isn't great, it's nice to have so many new musicals premiere here in Chicago. So much to see at the Goodman and other local theatres, plus we've had so many Broadway-bound shows try out here, like The Producers, Goodbye Girl, Victor Victoria, Movin' Out and many others. For theatre, it's second only to NYC!

I've seen many shows at Theatre Building too, including their amazing New Musicals series and shows by New Tuners.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/19/04 at 8:03pm

Aw, gee....I thought this musical was about the Mets' star catcher!!!!! Who wants to see a musical about people who have emotional problems?

[WindyCityActor]

Posted: 1/29/04 at 2:19pm

I just purchased tickets (front row) to see the production on February 14th. One of my best friends is in the ensemble and is understudying a couple of the smaller roles. Interestingly enough, my partner and I hosted a surprise birthday party last week for him, and a couple of the cast members attended.