Opera Review: THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA at OTSL

Love is in the air in Florence, but not everyone is happy about it. This is the premise for The Light in the Piazza, the second production of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ 51st season. Written by Craig Lucas with lyrics by Adam Guettel, this musical is filled with fantastic songs, great performances, and succulent symphonic sounds.

At first, the company’s inclusion of this slice of Broadway fare may seem out of place. However, The Light in the Piazza straddles the line between musical theater and opera in many ways. In addition to employing storytelling heavy on drama, the music is operatic in style, with classically trained artists singing their dialogue instead of delivering it. As for the songs, they are rich in emotion and feature duets and arias loaded with emotional gravitas.

Set in the 1950s and based on a novella by Elizabeth Spencer, the production is filled with desire and dysfunction. The Light in the Piazza follows Margaret and Clara Johnson, an American mother and daughter whose vacation in Florence is upended with the arrival of a dashing young man.

With her marriage on the ropes, Margaret is excited to spend some quality time with her daughter away from her overbearing and emotionally stiff husband. Unfortunately, her plans go awry when a light breeze blows Clara’s hat away.

It is retrieved by Fabrizio Naccarelli, a local man who hands it back to her. Smitten at first, they quickly fall head over heels for each other.

Their whirlwind romance causes concern for Margaret, who is extremely protective of Clara, who is developmentally disabled due to a childhood accident. Despite her best efforts, love blossoms.

Although she finds Fabrizio to be a nice boy, Margaret is worried about his intentions. She also fears that her daughter doesn’t fully understand the magnitude of being in a serious relationship.

The tension increases as Fabrizio and Clara fall deeper in love. Sprung into action by a sudden marriage proposal from Fabrizio, Margaret takes her daughter to Rome with hopes of halting the romance. Despite her best attempts to suppress it, she caves in and returns with her to Florence.

As for Fabrizio, his family embraces Clara, especially the warm and traditional Signor Naccarelli. However, as the couple prepares to spend their life together, the mood changes when her affliction is discovered.

Once again forced to fight for her daughter, Margaret visits Signor Naccarelli at his office to reason with him. Initially combative, the two work through their differences to solve the crisis.

Leaning into love and acceptance, The Light in the Piazza redefines what a “normal” relationship is. It also explores the differences between American and Italian culture in the 1950s, a time when the former was opening up socially, while the latter was becoming more traditional.

Stage director Crystal Manich’s excellent production pits passion against parenting, fueling the tension and drawing the audience deeper into drama. Onstage, a troupe of talented theater and opera performers lures audiences out of the dark in The Light in the Piazza.

Dominating the performance is two-time Tony nominee Kate Baldwin.Starring as Margaret, her OTSL debut is nothing short of mesmerizing. Combining a glorious voice with dramatic poise, her performance wows all who see it.

Accompanying her is tenor Roy Hage as Fabrizio. His rich voice and onstage charisma make him the perfect leading man. His company debut is highlighted by his excellent singing. Playing opposite him is soprano Katrina Gulka as Clara. Her emotionally poignant performance is highlighted by an angelic voice, which delivers several of the production’s finest moments. Both Hage and Gulka are alumni of OTSL’s Gerdine Young Artist program.

Also incredible is Brazilian baritone Paulo Szot as Signor Naccarelli. The Tony winner and acclaimed opera singer delivers a sterling performance that serves as the perfect counterbalance for Baldwin’s fiery portrayal. His scenes with Baldwin are amongst the best seen at OTSL this season.

Conductor Rob Berman wraps everything up in a warm shell. Joined by members of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, his lush, sweeping melodies provide a gorgeous supplement to the dramatics onstage.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is leaving the light on those who love emotionally taut romantic drama, great singing, and gifted performers.

Like The Pirates of Penzance, the second production of their 51st season is a treat for both connoisseurs and newcomers drawn to the stage.

An introspective and rhapsodic rollercoaster, OTSL’s The Light in the Piazza lives in two worlds. Rooted in musical theater with operatic flourishes, their production is a feast of sight and sound.

Successfully meshing the allure of Florence with the kinetic energy of young love, this beauteous presentation is tender, tenacious, and thoroughly enjoyable! Meravigliosa!

The Light in the Piazza runs through June 28 at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University.

Productions at Opera Theatre of St. Louis are in English with musical accompaniment from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. For more information on programming for the 2026 season, visit opera-stl.org.

Photos by Eric Woolsey