"After opening on Broadway last year, The Light in the Piazza picked up a reputation as a musical to admire but not necessarily adore. (That dichotomy was evident at the 2005 Tonys, where it picked up six awards, more than any show, including Best Score? but not Best Musical). Its major virtues and less-than-wholly satisfying elements have all been transferred more or less intact to a worthy road production. To really love this show — and, befitting a show that celebrates flowering, impetuous romance, it does have its lovers — you probably have to fall into a unique cross-section of the theatergoing population. On the one hand, its elegant, unpatronizing, and tricky score has a serious appeal for musical sophisticates who like pondering the fine points of melody and counterpoint as they (try to) hum. On the other hand, to buy into the show's romanticism, you kind of have to just go with it and stop thinking about the ethical dilemmas that the plot sets up and then almost abandons. If you can manage that balancing act, you might be among the significant minority who find this Light heavenly." -- Entertainment Weekly.
Over the weekend, I attended a wonderful interpretation of "Light in the Piazza" at Weber State. It was all that a romantic musical should be. And maybe I'm just a hopeless romantic at heart to fit in that "significant minority" who find it heavenly. Is it a bad thing to be a hopeless romantic? Is it wrong to not let things go?
I can't get out of my mind a certain quote that has paraphrased into my mind as:
"Be careful with your dead dreams. In Italy, they tend to come alive..."
Isn't it pathetic to live a life full of misgivings? I'm feeling quite nostalgic lately, longing for something I can't have, a time and place that has passed, and along with it, opportunities and authenticity muddled, love lost.
More on that to come...
8 comments:
My favorite quote is from the song, "Fable," which I quoted in my commitment ceremony vows:
"If you find in the world
In the wide, wide world
That someone sees
That someone loves you
Love
Love
...Love if you can
And be loved"
Love that show. I was in a production of it.
Thank you for sharing that, Cody. I love that. "Love if you can, And be loved"!
What role did you play?
I love the show as well. Of course I love all things "Italian", and was surprised at how many lyrics were in Italian. There is a sweetness and innocense and simplicity that touches me deeply...
because I was once simple and innocent (and maybe even sweet) and in love in Italy. I am "Clara". I never grew up. But I came alive for the first time in my life... a light went on.
I just was...
But, Clara knows what she wants, and is not afraid of reaching and obtaining it. I'm still trying to find it...
This is easily in my top 3 favorite shows of all time.
So much talent went into that production. Phil Lowe's costumes were excellent. Did you notice how the Americans stuck out in the beginning and by the end Margaret's dress blended in perfectly with the rest of the colors on the set.
That scene in itself was amazing for so many reasons. First, Jen (as Margaret) did an amazing job throughout the show, but here the pain of letting go and putting faith in her daughter came off so tender. Also, Jim Christian's staging was remarkable. I don't know how to describe it, but the angles of that scene and the placement of each of the actors made a huge impression that kept me tingling for about an hour afterward.
If I were to boil down the moral, I'd say "Love heals. Trust mends."
AGMB: It was incredible. The costumes were perfect - the colors evolving through the show - the palate rich and warm. "Margaret" was the glue and very believable as a caring mother.
Cultures collide and blend beautifully with trust and love.
I had not seen or even been familiar with the play previously, and so it was such a powerful enriching experience all the more as it wrapped me in its magical package.
I was in the ensemble. It was fun. The show went by very quickly because of numerous costume changes.
Phil and Jim are both very talented people. I've worked with both of them.
BECK!! I'm so glad I can see your posts again. I'll have to get caught up but I'm so happy to reconnect with you, my friend!
~Damon
DAMON! You exist! Great to see you are still hangin' around. Yeah, I'm still blogging (though I'm trying to figure out why I continue to do so), and it's great to see you commenting. Don't be such a stranger, my friend.
Beck- I promise not to be a stranger! I wouldn't have been before but I think I was locked out of your blog.
~Damon
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