How well do you know The Light in the Piazza? Test your knowledge of this unique musical that blends Neoromantic classical music with opera influences, and explores love against the backdrop of 1950s Florence, Italy. From its Broadway debut at Lincoln Center to a live PBS broadcast and international premieres, this critically acclaimed production has a rich history. Dive into these trivia facts to discover more about the show’s musical score, characters, and notable performances.
International Productions
- The Light in the Piazza had its European premiere at the Curve theatre in Leicester, UK, in May 2009, directed by Paul Kerryson.
Musical Composition
- The Light in the Piazza features a unique musical score that deviates from traditional Broadway pop music, embracing Neoromantic classical music and opera influences.
- Many characters in The Light in the Piazza speak primarily in Italian or broken English, adding an authentic touch to the setting and interactions.
- Ted Sperling co-orchestrated 'The Light in the Piazza', along with composer Adam Guettel.
Notable Tours
- Victoria Clark, who originally starred as Margaret Johnson, received widespread acclaim for her performance in both Seattle and Chicago before the Broadway production.
- The musical embarked on a U.S. national tour starting in San Francisco in August 2006 and concluding in Chicago in July 2007.
Production Facts
- The musical was adapted from a 1960 novella by Elizabeth Spencer, and its storyline is set in the atmospheric 1950s Florence, Italy.
- The Light in the Piazza had its Broadway premiere at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in Lincoln Center and ran for 504 performances from April 2005 to July 2006.
- A notable event was the live broadcast of the musical on PBS's 'Live from Lincoln Center' in June 2006, before the Broadway production closed.
- Kelli Harrington's portrayal of Margaret in the 2012 Theo Ubique Cabaret Theater production in Chicago won her a Jeff Award for Best Actress.
- The original Broadway cast reunited for a one-night benefit concert in April 2016 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, where the show originally played.
- Aaron Lazar, Chris Sarandon, and Katie Rose Clarke were notable Broadway replacements in the show.
