Statues and Stories – The Light in the Piazza








Music & Lyrics by: Adam Guettel
Based on the novel by Elizabeth Spencer


Book by: Craig Lucas
Directed by: Bartlett Sher



A weathly American woman and her “childlike” adult daughter are vacationing in postwar Italy. Clara meets Fabrizio and they are smitten with one another, despite the fact that he can barely speak English. Margaret is determined to protect Clara because she is mildly brain-damaged from a childhood incident; how will Fabrizio and his family react when they learn the truth? Read through the complete synopsis.

To learn a bit more, browse through the Broadway lyrics.


Elizabeth Spencer’s story about a mother and daughter travelling in post-war Italy and the hope and love they find there captivated the readers of the New Yorker upon its publication in 1960. It continues to do so in its musical form as well. Read a bit about the novel, or read more about the development of the musical.


The only recording available so far is the original Broadway cast, but it’s more than sufficient! This is a wonderful recording. You can read my review of the CD, or listen to a clip from one of my favourite songs.



I was very happy to get to see this show on Broadway, and to take Krista along for her first show in New York! And we both enjoyed ourselves very much. Read more of my thoughts about that experience.


There are some wonderful characters in this show, and some wonderful performers who have played them. Read a bit more about some of my favourites.

Once you’re done looking around here, check out some of the other Light in the Piazza sites that are out there.

Back to Stacy’s Musical Village