The Light in the Piazza

By Elli Davis, February 4, 2010

The Light in the Piazza

• Presented by: Acting Up Theatre Company
• Berkeley Street Theatre
• Adress: 26 Berkeley Street,Toronto, ON
• Now until Feb. 21
• ****1/2 out of 5 Stars

Piazza di San Pietro by Carlos de Paz

The most celebrated version of The Light in the Piazza was produced by Lincoln Centre Theatre Company in 2005. Based on a novel by Elizabeth Spencer the love story is set in Firenze and Roma.

Margaret has brought her daughter, Clara to visit Italy. Clara is fascinated with the amount of nudity in Italy. She comments on amount of nudes in the Frescos, the statuary and the masters' artwork. In the Piazza Clara meets Fabrizio and it is love at first sight. Margaret does everything in her power to prevent the two from being alone and perusing this relationship.

There is a secret. Something is wrong with Clara, something that both her mother and father hold close but which, in their opinion, should end the relationship between Fabrizio and Clara.

This is a chamber musical. Re-scored for Piano, cello, violin, bass and harp. The score, by Allan Guette who happens to be the grandson of Richard Rogers, does his grandfather well. It's a beautifully constructed piece full of melodic interludes and various combinations of instrumental poignancies.

Clara in Italy by Josh Libatique

In Act II the plot unfolds and ... . well I strongly urge you to go and see for yourself. This is a unique musical. For those of you who like MUSIC, for those of you who can appreciate singers who can project without the use of microphones, I know you will enjoy.

Robert McQueen's direction is slick. The musicians fully communicate the score and there is a luminescent LIGHT that fills the entire theatre when the voices and musicians coalesce. Kudos to Philip Silver for setting and lights a task that can be daunting when budgets are tight. While the ensemble was far and above the average production usually done in town, one must stand back and give credit to Juan Chioran who, in this writer's opinion, is destined for great great things.

Go and see the Light. You will be brighter for it.

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