The LIGHT Shone Brightly In The PIAZZA (Ljay's Thoughts..)

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/31/05 at 11:07pm

WOW. Where can I possibly start? There have been quite a few PIAZZA reviews. But here are my thoughts - if you care.

I saw the 7/31 Matinee today. I knew I was in for a pleasant afternoon of theatre. I've had the Piazza Cast Recording since the week it came out - So I am very familiar with the score. I got my student tix - which were a great deal! The other day when I asked what merchandise they sold - and I don't think anyone said a program. They have a beautiful, full color, glossy program - for only 10 dollars. It's lovely. Have they had this program the whole run?

Well when we got in our seats. Row F left side. I was a little nervous - I thought I would be looking at the side of the stage the whole show - but thankfully they really performed to whole audience. When the Overture started - I was taken. I was a little suprised - the Overture wasn't the same as it is on the CR - it was shorter. I was expecting Victoria to come out - like she did on the Tonys - with her "Florence Italy" speech. But it wasn't like that. The sets were absolutely beautiful - WOW. The lighting was great. The costumes were colorful, and delightful to the eye. I really love this score - I loved it since my first play of the cast recording. The score is beautiful, how else can I explain it? It has some complex moments (well.. as we know the score isn't complex to some.)

The performances were absolutely splendid. There was NO understudies on. I was so happy - I saw the OBC. Victoria Clark really touched me - she was totally worthy of her Tony win. Her "Fable" was incredible. I was in awe. Kelli O'hara was fantastic. I felt so much for her character. Her chemistry with Victoria was great. Matthew was also fantastic in his role. I think he portrayed his character in a wonderful way - his chemistry with Kelli was there - and was great. All 3 of their voices were top notch this afternoon. The supporting cast is fabulous. I never read the love for Michael Berresse, Sarah Berry, Mark Harelik, and Patti Cohenour (the ensemble was also very nice.) I loved Michael as Giuseppe - he had a great stage presence. Sarah's "The Joy You Feel" was amazing - I love her voice. Mark and Patti were also fabulous. I couldn't be happier with this wonderful cast. They had some very touching moments. I loved Victoria's interaction with the audience.

The stage door was great. No obcessed teenybopper freaks. A VERY small crowd. Matthew is so down to earth, and nice. He's a great guy. Victoria was in a rush, she had somewhere to go - but she still stopped to sign and take pictures - still very sweet. Kelli didn't come out.. .. Michael came out.. got a nice picture with him.. really nice guy aswell.

I couldn't have asked for a better day, and too see a better show. Piazza was a very touching experience. I didn't flat out bawl like some people here state they do - but there were definitely tears flowing. I've also never seen such a passionate conductor - he was great.

So yes - the LIGHT has touched my life. Sorry for such a long thread. I probally have so many more thoughts to share - but I'm too tired to gather them all.

[Glebb]

Posted: 7/31/05 at 11:11pm

That's a beautiful post ljay!

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/31/05 at 11:26pm

Thank you! Glebb.

[Glebb]

Posted: 7/31/05 at 11:30pm

I was taken to see it in June by a very special lady and had a wonderful time with three friends.
No understudies and a dreamy experience.
I listen every day and wish that it would be filmed for tv. :)

[Aigoo]

Posted: 7/31/05 at 11:47pm

I'm glad I'll be able to say I saw the OBC as well. AMAZING production.

[Thenardier]

Posted: 7/31/05 at 11:49pm

Sorry about Kelli.

Glad you enjoyed the show!

[MyDreamsRecurring]

Posted: 7/31/05 at 11:53pm

Thanks for the review
I'm not very familiar with the show, but I'm seeing it on Thursday
Any idea who's replacing Matthew? He'll be gone by the time I see it (darn!)

[broadway betty]

Posted: 7/31/05 at 11:59pm

I'm so glad that Piazza touched you like it has so many theatre fans. Seeing the Piazza OBC will always be a highlight for me that I can always remember fondly. :)

I heard that LCT productions don't have programs so I'm very excited about getting one!

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 12:00am

Thanks for reading my review, you guys.

Betty. I take it the program is new? It's BEAUTIFUL. Definitely a must have for Piazza fans.
It also includes an in depth synopsis by Craig Lucas. Updated On: 8/1/05 at 12:00 AM

[broadway betty]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 12:07am

Yes, it's new. The only reason that I didn't post many !!!!!!!'s is b/c I read earlier today that Piazza had a program and I PMd the poster and said "you better not be toying with me about there being a program!"lol. I've read several times that they wouldn't have one b/c LCT is not-for-profit so this makes me very very happy. Even if TKTS doesn't have Piazza I'm going to trek over to LC to grab a program on Wed.

[FosseBoi]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 12:17am

I totally agree with your review. Imo, this show is flawless! Also imo, the CD does not give Sarah justice.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 12:20am

You know, I also enjoyed Sarah better live than on the CD!

[juice23]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 12:25am

thanks for the review and the program news! Im seeing it again on the 13th. Has anyone met Kelli after a matinee??? shes the one i want to meet most of all!!!!

[broadway betty]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 12:28am

Kelli will pop out after a matinee but if you see her you have to grab her attention b/c if you just wait there for her then she'll RUN back inside. She's a sneaky one, that pretty Kelli O'Hara.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 12:31am

Hmm. I wonder if Kelli snuck out today - while Matt was out and busy with the crowd?
Updated On: 8/1/05 at 12:31 AM

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 12:55am

A little random. But I loved how "Say It Somehow" was as the act 1 finale. In the hotel room, and Margaret walking in on them. I love the instrumental part at the end of the song right when they start getting passionate, such a powerful moment.

[SCBWannabe]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 5:51am

Where is the stage door for Piazza?

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 8:05am

good question, i was wondering the same thing!
only a week from this wednesday... :)

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 8:50am

Glad to hear that you liked it so much!

[flaemmchen]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 9:25am

EEEEEE!!!!! GLOSSY PIAZZA PROGRAM!!!!!

That's very happy news.

I'm glad you loved the show ljay! And well done you for mentioning the fabulous supporting cast, because you're right, they rarely get shown the love, and they're all brilliant. There are some points in the show, like during Passegiata, where I can't help but watch Michael and Sarah interact with one another in the background--it's quite funny!

The stage door location has been spoken about in nearly every post about Piazza, but again, the easiest way to get there if you're actually seeing the show is to go downstairs, past the box office, and out the glass doors: the stage door is on the left. You can also get to it from the 65th Street parking lot.

Updated On: 8/1/05 at 09:25 AM

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 10:30am

Yesss. I urge all Piazza fans to pick up this program. It's a great thing to own. It has some GREAT photos, and they give you lyrics that goe along with the phot.

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 11:06am

I was stuck in the suburbs this w/e, and listened to this over and over. It literally haunts me- I woke up with "Fable" in my head.

For some reason, the melody of "...the light in the piazza..." that Kelli sings in the title song, and Victoria sings in Fable, just destroys me.

[Aigoo]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 11:27am

Oh no...I want a program.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 12:34pm

Joeyjoe and I were walking down Broadway where it intersects with 9th one afternoon and we saw Victoria Clark on her way into the theatre - I gotta hand it to that woman - she is pure class. She dresses beautifully and looks radiant. I just have so much admiration for that woman.

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 1:16pm

Do you like Victoria Clark?