The Light in the Piazza

July 16: 18 & 22: 25, 2010

Book by: Craig Lucas,
Music and Lyrics by: Adam Guettel
Directed by: Leigh Steiner
(5 Men; 4 Women, Vocal Ensemble)

The story takes place in Italy in the summer of 1953. Margaret Johnson, the wife of an American businessman, is touring the Tuscan countryside with her daughter, Clara. While sightseeing, Clara-a beautiful, surprisingly childish young woman-loses her hat in a sudden gust. As if guided by an unseen hand, the hat lands at the feet of Fabrizio Naccarelli, a handsome Florentine, who returns it to Clara. This brief episode, charged with coincidence and fate, sparks an immediate and intense romance between Clara and Fabrizio. Margaret, extremely protective of her daughter, attempts to keep Clara and Fabrizio apart. As THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA unfolds, a secret is revealed: in addition to the cultural differences between the young lovers, Clara is not quite all that she appears. Unable to suppress the truth about her daughter, Margaret is forced to reconsider not only Clara's future, but her own hopes as well.

"One of the most beautiful shows ever written for the American Stage. If you were to ask me to name the most perfect musical of the last two decades, its title would be my unhesitating answer,": Chris Joens, Chicago Tribune Critic.

Six time Tony Award winner in 2005, "The Light in the Piazza" is a tale of awareness and awakening. Based on a 1960 novella about a woman traveling in Italy with her beautiful, childlike daughter, who enchants a young man she meets, and is in turn, smitten.

Staff

Director: Leigh Steiner
Artistic Director: Dave Shaw
Vocal Director: Sue Hamilton
Musical Director: Deb Watts
Stage Manager: Kim Bland
Asst. Stage Manager: Linda Snyder
Costume Coordination: Marge Ray
Lighting Design: Jeff Nevins
Properties Design: Judy Bukowski
Asst. to the Director: Brian Pier
Publicity Coordinator: Michelle Tebrugge
Set Construction: Rocky Lowder

They have assembled a wonderful team of artists and technicians to mount this beautiful production.

Cast

Margaret Johnson: Cynda Wrightsman
Clara Johnson: Kelsi Frost
Fabrizio Naccarelli: Harry Williams
Giuseppe Naccarelli: Zaxxson Nation
Franca Naccarelli: Brittney McLaughlin
Signor Naccarelli: Ed MacMurdo
Signora Naccarelli: Mary Von Liski
Roy Johnson: Steve Jones
Tour Guide (+ensemble): Tamara Bivins
Priest: Brian Pier
Ensemble (various roles): Adam Bell
Ensemble: Taylor Babb
Ensemble: Morgan Eck
Ensemble: Catherine Reid
Ensemble: Ben Barber
Children’s Ensemble: Caleb, Josh and Noah Cartwright