The Light in the Piazza (musical)
The Light in the Piazza is a musical with music and lyrics by Adam Guettel and a book by Craig Lucas. It is based on the 1959 novella of the same name by Elizabeth Spencer.
Synopsis:
The musical tells the story of Margaret Johnson, an American woman vacationing in Florence, Italy, with her daughter, Clara. Clara, who is mentally disabled as a result of a childhood accident, quickly falls in love with Fabrizio Naccarelli, a young Italian man. Margaret is torn between allowing Clara to experience love and protecting her from potential heartbreak and social difficulties due to her disability. The musical explores themes of love, family, disability, cultural differences, and the complexities of personal freedom and responsibility.
Productions:
- Goodman Theatre (Chicago): The musical premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago in 2004.
- Seattle's Intiman Theatre: A slightly revised production played at Seattle's Intiman Theatre later in 2004.
- Broadway: The Light in the Piazza opened on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in April 2005 and closed in July 2006 after 504 performances.
- West End: The musical made its West End debut at the Leicester Square Theatre in London in June 2019.
- Numerous regional and international productions have followed since the Broadway premiere.
Awards and Recognition:
- Tony Award for Best Original Score (Adam Guettel)
- Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical (Craig Lucas)
- Tony Award for Best Lighting Design (Christopher Akerlind)
- Tony Award for Best Scenic Design (Michael Yeargan)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical
- Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album
Musical Style:
The score is known for its operatic and sophisticated style, blending contemporary musical theatre with classical influences. It utilizes Italian language in some songs and features complex vocal arrangements.
Characters:
- Margaret Johnson: An American woman from Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
- Clara Johnson: Margaret's daughter, a young woman with a developmental disability.
- Fabrizio Naccarelli: A young, charming Italian man who falls in love with Clara.
- Signor Naccarelli: Fabrizio's father.
- Signora Naccarelli: Fabrizio's mother.
- Franca Naccarelli: Fabrizio's sister-in-law.
- Giuseppe Naccarelli: Fabrizio's brother.