The Light in the Piazza

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.

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.

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.

Jason Redondo Beach, CA

While the sets were beautiful and interesting, the plot was unbelievable and unethical without realizing it. While the singing and orchestra was skilled, the songs were dissonant and unmemorable. The plot involves a love between a young Italian man and an American woman who, at the age of 10 or 12, was kicked in the head by a Shetland Pony and has not developed mentally or emotionally since then. Due to the language barriers between the two families, this little factoid remains unknown to the Italian family. If one takes out the music and adds the wit of Oscar Wilde, this could be a hilarious play. In poor taste to be certain, but hilarious nonetheless. But even in poor taste, it would have been more noteworthy than the performance we saw last night. If this play won numerous Tony Awards from Broadway, I have a few questions for the American Theater Wing.

Posner Los Angeles, CA

Christine Andreas unfortunately did not pull off "Fable", her last number in the show, when I saw it last Sunday. Victorica Clark almost made me cry in this scene when I saw it at Lincoln Center. However, overall, it still was an impressive production at Ahmanson. I would go again just to hear David Burnham sing.

Shelia McWinner Los Angeles, CA

I was lucky enough to see this performance on Opening Night. Or should I say unlucky enough to spend 3 hours listening. "A Light in the Piazza" does have beautiful music and the cast almost saved the production but couldn't compensate for Clara's voice (Elena Shaddow). Her voice was just not the right accent or pitch, and I wanted to cover my ears everytime she opened her mouth. Someone wrote there was no humable tune....try "She was kicked in the head by a pony..." I kid you not, the first lines of a song sung by Margaret (Christine Andreas, lovely voice and characterization). Sorry, two thumbs down.

Sarah Beverly Hills, CA

FABULOUS! One of the best shows I have ever been fortunate enough to witness. Fantastic cast, book... and oh the SCORE. Adam Guettel (the composer) is an absolute genius. Elena Shaddow is adorable, and David Burnham is the absolutely perfect Fabrizio; and would be very close to stealing the show, if it wasn’t for the spectacular Christine Andreas as Margaret Johnson. I have seen Victoria Clark in the role, and I didn’t know how another actress could perform the part without the large and dazzling shadow of Clark looming over. I was pleasantly surprised. Andreas creates a whole new character for herself, and despite some accent troubles in the beginning, ends up creating her Margaret to become a different form of luminous in itself. See it while you can!

Walter Tuthill Tarzana, CA

We arrived at the Ahmanson to be greeted by a sign that said that the role of Margaret Johnson was being played by Jane Brockman instead of Christine Andreas. The reviews in the Times and the Daily News were so positive about Andreas' performance we considered swapping out for another performance. We were very glad we didn't Brockman's performance was superb, heartwarming, beautifully sung and warranted a standing O from the full house. The performances were uniformly wonderful and we came away really caring about mother and daughter; this being no superficial vehicle. Go, and fall in love with Clara and Firenza...and Margaret.

Annie Los Angeles,

Simply beautiful! Beautiful setting, beautiful story, beautiful orchestrations and wonderfully acted. The story is touching and funny. Perfectly cast. David Burnham steals the show as charming Fabrizio. His voice soars! We went to see it, without knowing the story, and loved every minute of it. We HIGHLY recommend it!