Star Beacon
MADISON —
Margaret Johnson, an attractive, middle-aged woman vacations in Italy with her beautiful daughter Clara in the summer of 1953.
Nothing unique here until a chance meeting between Clara and the young Italian man, Fabrizio, changes everyone’s lives forever in unexpected ways.
The musical, “The Light in the Piazza,” recounts the ensuing romance between the two young people and Clara’s secret that threatens to undo the relationship. Winner of six Tony Awards, “Piazza” opens at Rabbit Run Theater today.
With a score that breaks from the traditional Broadway musical, the show incorporates a beautiful blend of classical and modern melody and rhythm matching the exquisite Italian setting. Many of the lyrics are in Italian as several of the characters are fluent in Italian only.
“’Piazza’ has the appeal of both a compelling story as well as a beautiful and creative score,” said director Brint Learned. “The production demands strong vocal skill as well as acting ability, and we are fortunate to have assembled for the production some of the most talented actors to have performed on the barn stage.
“I think the most captivating aspect of the show is the vulnerability of the characters and the potential for the audience to identify with them and with their struggles.”
Learned is the executive director at Rabbit Run Community Arts Association, a comprehensive fine arts association in Madison. He has extensive theatrical experience having directed and performed in area theaters including the Lakeland Theater, the Fine Arts Association, the Beck Center, Lake Erie College and Ashtabula Arts Center.
In the lead roles are Caitlin Rose, a second-year musical theater major at Kent State University, as Clara; and Nancy Shimonek Brooks as Clara’s mother, Margaret Johnson. James Penca, who most recently appeared at Rabbit Run as the lead in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” portrays Fabrizio.
The show runs weekends today through Aug. 1. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 428-7092, Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 7 p.m. Tickets may also be reserved on-line at www.rabbitrunonline.org.. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Rabbit Run Theater is located at 5648 W. Chapel Road, and is one of the few remaining barn theaters in Ohio.
