The Light in the Piazza

Presented by: Center Theatre Group

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Critics Picks - Stage

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Ahmanson Theatre

135 N. Grand Ave., L.A.
centertheatregroup.org

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Times review: Read the complete Times review

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Christine Andreas as Margaret Johnson in "The Light in the Piazza."

Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas' musical adaptation of Elizabeth Spencer's 1960 short novel has a majestic poise that's hard not to appreciate in an era when the Broadway musical has assumed the slouch of a pouty, overgrown adolescent with headphones blaring yesterday's Top 40 hits. The show, revolving around a complicated love story between a young Florentine bachelor and an American woman with a sad secret her mother doesn't want to get out, has a cumulative power that can bowl over anyone not too busy poking at its flaws. And who would want to do that in the company of Guettel's ravishing operatic score?

— Charles McNulty
Nov. 3, 2006

Through Dec. 10, 2006
Sundays: 2 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Tuesdays: 8 p.m.
Wednesdays: 8 p.m.
Thursdays: 8 p.m.
Fridays: 8 p.m.
Saturdays: 2 p.m. 8 p.m.

Price: $30-$100

Box office: 213-628-2772

Reader Reviews

December 10, 2006

Jim Los Angeles, CA

The night I went to the show, it got a standing ovation from about 60% of the audience, and personally I loved it. However most of the people in the theater were in their 50s and 60s, and based on what I heard of their conversatons, they were a very sophisticated audience. If you want to see top-notch acting, go see this show, but if you want a lighter theater experience, go see the The Lion King.

November 29, 2006

Sam Los Angeles, CA

I find it hard to believe anyone who actually saw this could give it a rave review unless they were friends with the cast, writer or crew. Sorry Tony the emperor has no clothes.

November 29, 2006

Julie Los Angeles, CA

I have no idea how the poor actors remembered the anti-melodic lines they sang. It wasn't so much that the music was dissonant as the music was unmusical, had no flow or remote minor hook to grab a listener. And the lyrics were weak and painfully mundane. I agree wholeheartedly with another reviewer who said it would be hilarious (and offensive) if tweaked. I felt sorry for the actors, having to sell this to the audience. There were some interesting moments, but they were overshadowed by the slow pacing, the silly story line, and the general inability of the author of this version of the story, to actually find the story’s emotional heart. It is a sad state of affairs when such a sub-par "musical" wins awards of any kind.

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Current, Upcoming

A Chorus Line

Through Jul. 6
The national tour of Michael Bennett's enduring Pulitzer- and Tony-winning tale of Broadway's chorus dancers makes its way to L.A.

The Drowsy Chaperone

Jul. 9 - Jul. 20
After its Broadway success, this comic valentine to 1920s musicals makes a return visit to the Ahmanson, where it had its U.S. premiere in 2005.

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