The Light In The Piazza

This is one of those musicals that everyone said "you must see". They said "beautiful music" and "wonderful performances" and "Victoria Clark is incredible". Thank you my dear Mary Grusin. You gave a gentle shove.
All true. Lovely story. A mother and (simple) daughter traveling Europe, a love affair. Unexpected, Selfish, Caring. All very moving.
The staging was clever. I like this theater. The Vivian Beaumont at Lincoln Center is almost half circle, the stage, very deep allowing sweeping movement, even running across the stage. It seems so large. Plenty of space for a cast of 12, Florentine sculpture and Italianate buildings.
The music was gorgeous. I absorbed it like a sponge. Beautiful and moving. It washed over me. It helped that all the voices were exquisite. Mostly the surprising Aaron Lazar as Fabrizio. Like Josh Groban. His voice stole every scene.
And Victoria Clarks' voice really surprised me, but in unusual places, like the quiet moments. Magnificent.
Bill didn't like it so much. He tried, but instead of washing over him, the music washed past him. Even when he isn't enjoying something, he is still only person I want by my side an any theater event. I am so lucky. (sorry John, you are on the other side)
Tom (so funny) and his parnter Ken were an unexpected treat. Ken is working on some original music for Macy's 4th of July next year, while completing a musical he received a grant to finish. I hope we get invited to the workshop. I love new works. As the lights faded, I saw them in the front row. What a crazy coincidence. We had a drink with them and their friends from NC (very sweet, and Brett had a surprising knowledge of theater for a southern Doctor. Wish we could have talked more)...Great way to end the night.