Light in the Piazza marks the return of grand musicals

MANILA, Philippines - The rehearsals for Stages’ production of the hit Broadway musical The Light in the Piazza has not yet started, but during its grand launch held recently, Karylle showed everyone why she was handpicked to play Clara Johnson, the musical’s main protagonist. Karylle, exhibiting her classically-trained voice, exuded the innocence, charm and complexities of the character.

 “Light in the Piazza signals the return of grand musicals like West Side Story,” says producer Audie Gemora. “This will also showcase once more Karylle’s depth as an actress and performer which everyone has seen in her portrayal as Maria in West Side Story years ago.”

Karylle will be reunited with her West Side Story director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, who plays the role of the mother Margaret. Fresh from Menchu’s phenomenal turn as the manic depressive Dianna Goodman in Next to Normal, she is all set to breathe life to this another challenging role, which won for Broadway star Victoria Clark a Tony Award as Best Leading Actress in a Musical.

Light in the Piazza tells the story of lovers Clara, an American tourist in Italy, and Fabrizzio, an Italian, and how they fought for their love, amidst strong objection of Margaret. However, the older Johnson also has to come to terms with certain aspects of her life. Will the presence of Fabrizzio’s father Signor Naccarelli provide the answers? Can the young couple’s immense love overcome the secrets of their past?

The Light in the Piazza penned by Adam Guettel, grandson of Broadway icon Richard Rodgers of Rodgers and Hammerstein (Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, King and I and Sound of Music) celebrates love of the varied kind.

Aside from a romantic story, The Light in the Piazza also boasts of having some of the best written songs for the stage which include the love tune Say It Somehow, which according to Glee’s Lea Michele is “by far the most romantic Broadway song.” This proves the appeal of the show to both the older and younger audiences.

In fact, Glee’s Matthew Morrison is the first actor to play the role of Fabrizzio.

A pop version of Say It Somehow will be recorded by Karylle and her West Side Story leading man Christian Bautista.

For the Manila staging, the production hired one of the top casting agencies in New York, Judy Henderson & Associates Casting to find the perfect Fabrizzio.

Broadway actor Stephen Lukas has been chosen to play the role for this production besting less than 30 actors who auditioned. Lukas’ recent theater credits include the second national tour of Little Women (Laurie), Ogunquit Playhouse’s production of Hello, Dolly!, Summer Lyric Theater’s Oklahoma! and Seacost Repertory Theater’s Grease (Danny Zuko).

(For interested block buyers and sponsors, a special preview will be held on March 30, 6:30 p.m. at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3. For invitations, please call STAGES at 818-1111 loc. 225.)