Florence, Italy, in the 1950s is the setting for The Light in the Piazza. Elizabeth Spencer’s novella tells the story of Americans Margaret Johnson and her daughter, Clara, as they visit the city where Margaret and her husband honeymooned years before.
With a guidebook in hand, Margaret wants Clara to see and learn about some of the city’s cultural treasures. Clara’s blonde beauty stands out in sharp contrast to the dark-haired locals—and she meets Fabrizio, a handsome young local man. This leads to a romantic storyline fraught with spoken-language difficulties, cultural complications and a few unknown facts that may ultimately prevent a happy ending.
A film based on the novel was made in 1962 starring Olivia de Havilland as the mother. In the early 2000s, playwright Craig Lucas adapted the story into a musical; Adam Guettel wrote the music and lyrics. The new musical premiered on June 14, 2003, in Seattle; after being presented in Chicago in 2004, it opened on Broadway in April 2005. It won six Tony Awards, including Best Score and Best Orchestrations.
This CVRep production of Piazza is the third I’ve seen—and it’s absolutely luminescent.
It’s fascinating to see how productions that are presenting the same story can be so very different from each other. Director Adam Karsten and scenic designer Jimmy Cuomo have put together a simple utilitarian Florence that may be adapted to become a church, a home, hotel room or an outdoor park, easily and fluidly. Karen Sieber’s dazzling choreography introduces the story with statues that come to life, move the story forward, and provide visual grace—and dance was cleverly used to propel Clara’s wind-blown hat to Fabrizio’s retrieving hand! Music director Stephen Hulsey is the conductor and also the pianist, leading his ever-present upstage ensemble of six musicians. They truly make Guettel’s music soar throughout the show.
Karsten has assembled a talented cast. Mollie Vogt-Welch, as Margaret Johnson, is moving as she tries to protect her daughter from dangers in the world. Her Margaret is strong but also pragmatic as she deals with her life—and Vogt-Welch sings wonderfully. At the beginning, I had a difficult time understanding much of what she was saying with her Southern U.S. dialect, but it became easier as the show continued.
Logan Graye as Clara and Daniel Lopez as Fabrizio have glorious vocal gifts; they’re exceptional when singing alone or together. Stephanie Lynne Mason’s Franca Naccarelli exudes a simmering sexual energy while she accuses her husband, Giuseppe, played by Michael De Souza, of infidelity. Valley local Charles Herrera plays Signor Naccarelli with strength and paternal conviction. Alison England came to this cast belatedly, but is a solid and charming Signora Naccarelli.
The other cast members are Tim Ewing, Lisette Garrido, Anton Lamon, Sareen Tchekmedyian, Emily Unnasch and Patrick Wallace.
I really enjoyed watching Clara and Fabrizio develop their relationship with the use of body language and facial expressions, when words weren’t available. Another highlight: the opening scene of Act II, when the Naccarelli family members are together, and their high-strung, stereotypical Italian energy propels the scene
Hannah Chalman has provided beautiful 1950s costumes that nicely indicate the social and economic status of the characters. Mimzy Hamann is the costume design assistant. Lynda Shaeps’ hair and makeup designs wonderfully complement the costumes.
Moira Wilke’s lighting was constantly changing to evoke a mood, the time of day and so on. There were several times when a performer was crossing the stage, and the light was not quite with them. I’m guessing that minor technical glitch will be remedied easily.
John M. Galo’s stage management was done efficiently and had the numerous scenic changes flow wonderfully. Tom Mitchell’s numerous props were helpful but not obtrusive. Joshua Adams’ sound design was well-executed; I would, however, recommend a few less reverberation additions to some of the songs.
CVRep’s production of The Light in the Piazza plays through Feb. 9—and it is entertaining in multiple ways.
The Light in the Piazza will be performed at 7 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday; and 2 p.m., Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, through Sunday, Feb. 9 at the CVRep Playhouse, 68510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in Cathedral City. Tickets are $90. For tickets or more information, call 760-296-2966, or visit www.cvrep.org.