The Light in the Piazza
MainStage Irving Las Colinas, Irving, Texas
Reviews
"With soft lighting by Mia Lindemann and its versatile set by Joseph Cumming with Florence always in the background, the show created a dreamy view of Italy that worked with the show’s romance and music led by Vicky Nooe."
"MainStage knows how to transport audiences to another place and time as they have done recently with Enchanted April and Intimate Apparel. They do that again here with distinct allure."
Rich Lopez, Dallas Voice
Synopsis
"The Light in the Piazza," a musical with a score by Adam Guettel and a book by Craig Lucas, is a heartfelt and romantic story set in the 1950s in Florence, Italy. It is based on the novella by Elizabeth Spencer.
The plot centers on Margaret Johnson, an elegant and protective American mother, and her beautiful but mentally delicate daughter, Clara, who are traveling through Italy. While visiting Florence, Clara encounters Fabrizio Naccarelli, a charming young Italian, and they quickly fall in love. Despite the language barrier, their connection is immediate and profound.
Margaret is initially wary of the romance, knowing a family secret: Clara has a mental disability caused by a childhood accident, leaving her with the emotional and intellectual maturity of a child. As Clara and Fabrizio’s love deepens, Margaret struggles with her protective instincts and the desire to let her daughter experience a chance at true happiness.
The Naccarelli family, unaware of Clara’s condition, warmly welcomes the Johnsons. As the wedding approaches, Margaret faces a significant decision: reveal Clara's condition and possibly thwart her daughter’s happiness or support the marriage and trust in the power of love.
In the end, Margaret chooses to let the marriage proceed, believing in Clara's right to her own happiness and independence. The musical concludes with Clara and Fabrizio’s wedding, symbolizing hope and new beginnings, while Margaret comes to terms with letting go.
"The Light in the Piazza" is a poignant exploration of love, trust, and the complexities of parental care, underscored by a lush, operatic score that captures the romance and beauty of its Italian setting.
The plot centers on Margaret Johnson, an elegant and protective American mother, and her beautiful but mentally delicate daughter, Clara, who are traveling through Italy. While visiting Florence, Clara encounters Fabrizio Naccarelli, a charming young Italian, and they quickly fall in love. Despite the language barrier, their connection is immediate and profound.
Margaret is initially wary of the romance, knowing a family secret: Clara has a mental disability caused by a childhood accident, leaving her with the emotional and intellectual maturity of a child. As Clara and Fabrizio’s love deepens, Margaret struggles with her protective instincts and the desire to let her daughter experience a chance at true happiness.
The Naccarelli family, unaware of Clara’s condition, warmly welcomes the Johnsons. As the wedding approaches, Margaret faces a significant decision: reveal Clara's condition and possibly thwart her daughter’s happiness or support the marriage and trust in the power of love.
In the end, Margaret chooses to let the marriage proceed, believing in Clara's right to her own happiness and independence. The musical concludes with Clara and Fabrizio’s wedding, symbolizing hope and new beginnings, while Margaret comes to terms with letting go.
"The Light in the Piazza" is a poignant exploration of love, trust, and the complexities of parental care, underscored by a lush, operatic score that captures the romance and beauty of its Italian setting.
