Light in the Piazza

A mother and daughter are vacationing in Italy.

In Florence, the girl meets a boy.  It’s love at first sight.  Their families intervene, angst ensues.

Arena Stage’s Light in the Piazza takes a traditional story and adds numerous twists and turns.  Though the boy speaks Italian and the girl English, language is not their biggest barrier.  They, as well as the audience, are unaware of the major hurdle they will face.  The hidden issue between the lovers builds tension throughout the show.  I was on the edge of my seat, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Every single actor in the show has an amazing voice.  Let me say that again.  Every single actor can sing like there’s no tomorrow.  I’ve seen Broadway shows with less impressive casts, voice-wise.  The first two songs straying into the high ranges concerned me.  Luckily for my personal tastes, the rest of the music remained in normal range, though a few of the songs are entirely in Italian.

When reviewing shows, I don’t usually mention the scenery, as I’m so easily impressed.  Seldom is there a local production that I don’t leave raving to my companions “Wasn’t the scenery amazing?  You can’t even tell the difference between that and Broadway shows!” I was so in awe of Arena’s projections that I have to rave here.  A Madonna’s face in an art gallery painting, a backdrop of Roman ruins, each image flowed into the arched doorways and walls, and it was all seamlessly integrated into the different scenes.

If you dream of Italian travels, rich singing, and love stories, I’d suggest you drop by A Light in the Piazza.

Dreaming Italian dreams,
Megan

Light in the Piazza