The LIGHT Shone Brightly In The PIAZZA (Ljay's Thoughts..)- Page 2

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 1:25pm

Uh - yes - I would think it was obvious from all my posts about her in recent months - Her performance was perhaps the finest and most accurate portrayal of a human life on stage that I have ever seen. She holds nothing back and has taken the time to research her character so carefully, it's simply amazing the job she does up there each night. (and matinee.)

[marincrazy11]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 1:31pm

hey-does anyone know if there is a way to get the souvenir program via the internet? This living in Michigan thing won't really help me get it and I would looooooooove one!!!!And I'm pretty sure I didn't see one when I was there in early July. Thanks.

Katie

[pattifan2]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 1:33pm

I've hung back from posting on the topic of this show having never seen it. However, the cast recording is never off my player - literally. As well as this being a wonderful score, the lyrics are pure perfection. Other than Sondheim, I've never heard anyone nail a mood or emotion like this before....'I can see the winter in your eyes'....all been there before, eh? I particularly love the anticipation of 'This is holding breath and keeping fingers crossed' in 'The Beauty Is'....I think that is just beautiful. 'Passeggiata' is a great song in its own right but I think it does a great job of developing the story and Fabrizio's character. And I can never keep it together when in 'Love To Me' Morrison sings 'Just so you can chase it, Just so I can be there...'..ahh, sublime. And I love 'American Dancing' - very Dicky Greenleaf!

[baddadnpa]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 1:33pm

Red, what type of research did she do in connection with the role?

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 1:40pm

bad - do a search here and find that video clip of her backstage before a performance - she talks about all the work that went into the role and the journal she keeps as thoughts and emotions come to her in scenes, so she can go back later and recapture moments if they apply - it is evident to me that she reseached very deeply - just listen to her accent, one facet of many in her brilliant performance.

[Sluggy]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 3:14pm

So, any advice on getting that Piazza program for us out-of-towners? It's not on LCT's shopping page yet.

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 3:22pm

redhot- i was JOKING!

I know you love V. Clark- you've been raving on the boards since you saw Piazza.

For the record, I love her too.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 7:03pm

I think it was gracious of Victoria - to take pictures and sign for us. She obviously had somewhere to go. We asked for a picture, and she said "yes quickly" (in a nice way_ and I told her how happy I was for all her success with the role. She was very nice. She didn't have to do this for everyone - especially since she had something to do.

[CostumeGirl2]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 7:45pm

Did anyone see this show when Kelli's understudy (Jennifer Hughes) was on? She is a friend of mine and I missed seeing her by one day. I just wondered how she did.
Updated On: 8/2/05 at 07:45 PM

[flaemmchen]

Posted: 8/1/05 at 7:52pm

Jennifer Hughes is going on at the end of the month, when Kelli takes a vacation, so you can see her! But from what I heard, she did a great job and was very different.

[marincrazy11]

Posted: 8/2/05 at 12:22am

I saw Jennifer Hughes the first time she went on in the role. She did very well. I can't speak of the differences because I haven't seen Kelli but she did a nice job. And it was so sweet to see her large group of family and friends at the stage door with all their flowers.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/2/05 at 12:25am

Aww. That is good to hear that the understudies are good.

Another random thought. I loved the score before the show. But after seeing the show - I can appreciate the music even more. Now that I know how each song was played out on stage - I have even more love for this music.

Posted: 8/2/05 at 2:30am

I know that many know that I'm a big Matt Morrison fan, but I was honestly really disappointed in his understudy. I thought he overacted.

But that's not why I'm posting. Thank you for your review... you felt the exact same way as I did. I loved Michael Berresse, and I listen to "American Dancing" with a smile on my face now because I know exactly what's happening during that song. I always pictured the musical a lot different than what the show really was, and I loved that.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/2/05 at 11:37am

I must say - I was thrilled I saw Matt in the role. I thought he was truely fantastic. I wish he won the Tony. He is also one of the nicest male actors I've ever met.

And yes - I loved Michael in "American Dancing." I really wish Michael, Sarah, Mark and Patti got more love. They were all so special in their roles.

[lvpblues]

Posted: 8/2/05 at 12:48pm

I was also at the Sunday matinee - my first time back to see the show since opening night. Having the cast album and other references I've listened to the show over and over and over again and have never grown tired of it.

What you all say is so undoubtedly true: the performances are only growing stronger with time. Vicki's delivery of "Clara's dream for Clara" in the second act gave me chills and she was on fire during "The Beauty Is" reprise. She was in tears for the entire song and the way she delivered "blind acceptance" was mind-blowing. She gives one of the greatest performances I have ever seen onstage. Ever.

But what I loved about seeing it again were the subtle nuances in the actor's choices and the staging. What an enriching experience. And I was glad to see that the house seemed sold out and that almost everybody there was really into the show. (I loved walking out hearing people commenting: "That final number just grabbed me." "The music is so difficult but so beautiful. Among others).

It will always be one of the greatest privileges of my life to have seen this show with this cast. And I cannot wait to get back and see it again.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/2/05 at 1:06pm

That is awesome you were there too! I thought her delivery of "Clara's dream for Clara" was also amazing. I couldn't believe how emotional her "The Beauty Is Reprise" was.

I just feel so.. honored - to have seen these brilliant performances.