University Park, IL—(ENEWSPF)–January 27, 2015 – An Italian piazza. A blossoming romance. A six-time Tony-Award-winning musical masterpiece. What more could you ask for in a Valentine’s weekend experience? Add wine and dessert and an up close and personal view of the actors from your seat on the stage, and you have the perfect Valentine’s evening out.
The Southland Area Theatre Ensemble (SLATE) presents ‘The Light in the Piazza’ from February 13-15 at GSU’s Center for Performing Arts. Friday and Saturday show times are 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee is offered at 2 p.m. Seating is limited on the stage so reserve your tickets in advance for guaranteed seating. Tickets are $25 each and adults 65+ will save $5. Wine and dessert are available for purchase.
Since its world premiere in 2004 at the Goodman Theatre and subsequent transfer to Broadway’s Lincoln Center, The Light in the Piazza has captured the hearts of Broadway and musical theatre fans with a stunning score by Adam Guettel and engaging storytelling by book writer Craig Lucas.
Based on the 1960 novella by Elizabeth Spencer made into a film in 1962, ‘The Light in the Piazza’ follows the awakening of young Clara Johnson and her mother, Margaret, as an Italian vacation uncovers unexpected hopes, regrets and a chance at a new life. A handsome Fabrizio may offer love for Clara, but will her mother allow it? Secrets are revealed in this charming musical of love and consequence.
SLATE’s production of ‘The Light in the Piazza’ will be its 11th production, since the organization’s inception in 2008, and patrons are in for a very special experience thanks to seasoned Director Scott Sowinski, making his directorial debut at GSU.
Scott Sowinski is a native of southern Chicago from the Beverly-Mount Greenwood area. He recently performed Bob Wallace in ‘White Christmas’ in Honolulu, Hawaii. An active performer and director, Scott recently assisted directed ‘Sweeney Todd’ with Porchlight Music Theatre in Chicago. His NYC Directorial credits include: Merrily We Roll Along, The Wild Party, Rupunzel, Ovation & Oration and The Magician. Regionally, he has directed: Die Fledermaus, Amahl, HONK!, Les Miserables, Charlie Brown, Last Five Years, Into the Woods, Gypsy, Passion Play and many readings and presentations throughout the nation.
About his debut, Scott says “I am honored to bring this fascinating production to our GSU theatrical community. ‘The Light in the Piazza’ is a musical of extraordinary depth and an extraordinary love. I am fortunate to have an exemplary crew and cast confident in bringing you the brightness that is ‘The Light in the Piazza’.”
Musical Direction is by Brad Senffner. Choreographer Nicole Bowles returns for her second year with SLATE. Her recent Chicago appearances include Helen in ‘Musical of the Living Dead’ (Stage 773), Sally in ‘Reefer Madness’ (Mayne Stage), Texas in ‘Cabaret’ (Citadel), and Susan in ‘Company’ (SLATE).
Tickets can be purchased online at CenterTickets.net, by phone at 708-235-222, or in person at the Box Office, Monday – Saturday; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and two hours prior to show time.
A portion of The Center’s programming is supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
Cast List
Rosalind Hurwitz (Chicago, IL) as Margaret John
Lindsay Foreman (Chicago, IL) as Clara Johnson
Iah Bearden-Vrai (Chicago, IL) as Fabrizio Naccarelli
Nathan Krug (Crete, IL) as Giueseppe Naccarelli
Nicole Hager (Chicago, IL) as Franca Naccarelli
John Hillman (New Lenox, IL) as Signor Naccarelli
Mary Kooy Pniewski (Evergreen Park, IL) as Signora Naccarelli
Talented Ensemble Members include: Jayde Al-Angary (St. John, IN), Kevin Kohn (Clifton, IL), Alfonso Villa (Chicago, IL) and Courtney Edwards (Chicago, IL)
Source: www.govst.edu
