The Light in The Piazza
The Light in The Piazza is one of my favorite musicals. I have seen it four times (Lincoln Center, Ahmanson, P.B.S., and Covina). I have now added a fifth to my list; a lovely production at the El Portal but this time in show is presented more like a chamber musical. At times I missed the elaborate sets from Lincoln Center but designer Christopher Scott Murillo has done a terrific job suggesting the locale in Florence by the use of a couple columns, a table and chairs, a bench, and a statue of David. Covina’s production was also in a small 99 –seat theatre but it was proscenium. This current production is set amidst the audience in a 3/4 round space. The orchestra is minimal but still effective although sometimes I felt the music and the singers weren’t as well served without the lush arrangements. After all, the singers are singing an operatic-like score that is hard to sing (although the cast did an admirable job) without the support of an orchestra.
The production is being put on by YMTA Productions headed by Blake McIver Ewing who also plays Fabrizio Naccarelli, which he acquits admirably. It seems he has also enlisted other family members and friends to get this very difficult musical on. Don’t get the impression that this is some fly-by-night vanity production because it is fully professional and succeeds very well.
The casting has a lot to do with the show’s success. Stephanie Wall plays the pivotal role of Clara. I had seen her in Marvelous Wonderettes and she brings the same simplicity and wonderful singing voice to the proceedings. Fabrizio’s family are very good, all speaking Italian and generally being an authentic familial entity. Jonathan Kruger makes a sympathetic and intelligent father. Dena Drotar is the mother and does a very good job in what she has to do. Fabrizio’s brother and his wife are played to the hilt by Darius Rose and Christine M. Catsuto. Gregory Franklin does a nice turn as Clara’s workaholic father. Mark Gomez is just fine as the Priest.
Mary Donnelly Haskell, a veteran of Los Angeles theatre and television, plays Clara’s mother. Ms Haskell is truly marvelous in the role bringing strength, compassion, lots of humor, and a compelling performance to make this a memorable evening. The Light in The Piazza plays at the El Portal Theatre until July 26th.