"Light in the Piazza" for European Premiere
Tony Award Winning Musical to Premiere in Leicester, England
Apr 3, 2009
The new and exciting Curve Theatre in Leicester is the venue for the European premiere of the Tony Award winning musical, Light in the Piazza, based on the book by Craig Lucas with music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, grandson of Richard Rogers, and a man often referred to as the new Sondheim.
It originally premiered in Seattle USA, before moving to Chicago’s Goodman Theatre and then the Lincoln Centre. Now the European premiere will take place at The Curve in Leicester, England.
A brand new theatre, The Curve with its “inside-out” concept will be the perfect venue for this romantic musical with a dark secret. It tells the story of a young American woman visiting Europe with her mother, they meet the handsome Fabrizio, with whom the girl falls in love and....
Film buffs will probably remember the original '60s film starring Olivia de Havilland, Yvette Mimieux, George Hamilton, and Rossano Brazzi, and will be aware of the secret that lies at the heart of the story and spells danger to the happiness of the couple.
Cast List for Light in the Piazza at The Curve Theatre
The part of the American mother will be played by the world renowned opera singer Lucy Schaufer, Caroline Sheen, whose most recent part was Mary Poppins, plays daughter Clara, and fresh from his success in the title role in Zorro at The Garrick Theatre in London, Matt Rawle will play the romantic Italian lead, Fabrizio Naccarelli. They are supported by a sterling cast of actors including Graham Bickley, Garth Bardsley and George Couyas.
Florence is Evoked with Brilliance
At the Curve Theatre, the city of Florence is as much part of the musical as the cast, The backdrops of the Duomo and the Piazza and the sets that create a dreamy magical atmosphere are brilliantly conceived to work with the story and the music. Director Paul Kerryson (Singin’ in the Rain,A Little Light Music), Designer George Souglides, Lighting Designer Giuseppe di Lorio and Musical Director Julian Kelly, between them have managed to evoke an atmosphere that is truly Florentine.
The Curve Theatre, Leicester, England
The Curve was designed by world renowned Uruguayan-born architect Rafael Viñoly (who also designed the Tokyo International Forum) and rises 24 metres from the heart of Leicester’s new Cultural Quarter making a powerful, dramatic statement. The glass façade encloses an open plan foyer with views into the café, bars, backstage area and the stage which is even visible from street level. In the words of its artistic director Paul Kerryson, he wanted it to be “accessible and inclusive”, an ambitious project that is working.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of England opened The Curve in 2008
Opened in late 2008 by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip (who was fascinated by its design) this £61 million architectural wonder has already gained a reputation for its exciting artistic programming which attracts visitors from London, just one hour away by train from King’s Cross, as well as its loyal home audience in Leicester city and the surrounding areas.
Light in the Piazza, winner of no less than six Tony Awards, is guaranteed to be a sellout for The Curve. Not to be missed, it opens May 5th, 2009.
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