A Note from the Director -
In nearly thirty years of play making, I sincerely do not think there has been a production more personal to me than The Light in the Piazza. The first time I saw the Lincoln Center production I was dumbfounded. At the time I could not even fathom directing the play, I was too excited to sing the score. I bought the book, scheduled a voice lesson and practically wept my way through every bit of Clara’s music just because I could. Piazza provided a salve for my then, very broken heart. I saw the production three more times before it closed and was an embarrassed school girl when I found Victoria Clark sitting in the back of the drama studio watching B’DAT’s production of Pippin. She was the vocal coach of our leading man and soon to be a Beacon parent. Little did I know she would be instrumental in growing our little theatre department beyond the limits of our black box.
In the time since, B’DAT developed a thriving vocal music program, staged a few rock operas, and has grown to call Victoria Clark our mentor and friend. She’s as much a super Beacon mom who delivers cookies to rehearsal, as she is a Broadway veteran and master teacher. She is full of inspiring stories and musical expertise and manages to connect our young singers to their voices as easily as she can make us all chortle. Last spring, Victoria Clark convinced me that The Light in the Piazza, in a black box, in Italian, with a most lusciously complex score, that requires a harp, with teenagers – who barely read music, was a perfectly wonderful idea! Not that I needed much convincing.
“Risk is everything! Without risk there is no drama. Without drama there is no “aiutami”! Without asking for help? No Love! No Love!”
I love this play on a cellular level. As I am Italian. As I am maternal. As I am theatrical. As I find humor in the moments that make life the most unbearable - I genuinely believe that each of us is capable of, and deserving of, a most profound and soul shattering love. I do. I do! I DO!
I want nothing more than for every one of my students to “find in the world…that someone sees” them for the incredible creatures they truly are. When Margaret coos “Love if you can and be loved” my heart shatters and swells in opposite directions. The ambiguity of it all is just so visceral. Is this a happy ending? I'm not sure. Is love a right? Furthermore can you legislate love? Can you stop it? Can you control it? Do you choose it? Can you avoid it? Can you even define it? All this love talk makes me want to giggle and cry and jump up and down and hug someone. (Sounds a lot like this rehearsal process!) But I know love IS worth fighting for. In fact, love is the ONLY thing worth fighting for in my humble sketchbook.
Adam Guettel. Thank you. Thank you for trusting me with the love you poured onto your pages. "May it last forever."
B'DAT. Thank YOU. For trusting me with your heart.
The Light in the Piazza. So much risk. So much drama. So much help! An epic LOVE!
We hope you enjoy!
Ciao!
Jo
