Cast Announced for Theater Latté Da’s Production of ‘The Light in the Piazza’ – February 7, 2013

(Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN) – Theater Latté Da announced today casting for its upcoming production of The Light in the Piazza, book by Craig Lucas, music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, which will be presented at the Ordway McKnight Theatre March 14 – April 7, 2013. The Light in the Piazza features Kathleen Humphrey as Margaret Johnson and Jessica Fredrickson as her daughter Clara. Kathleen recently appeared in the world premiere of Minnesota Opera's Doubt, while Jessica is currently starring in Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' Bye Bye Birdie. Fabrizio Naccarelli will be played by Aleks Knezevich, who starred in the Guthrie Theater's hit production of H.M.S. Pinafore.

The cast also includes Erin Capello (Franca Naccarelli), Steven Grant Douglas (Giuseppe Naccarelli), Sarah Gibson (Signora Naccarelli), Helen Hassinger (Tour Guide), Kevin Leines (Roy Johnson), and Bill Scharpen (Signor Naccarelli).

The Light in the Piazza is a romantic tale that revolves around Margaret Johnson, a wealthy Southern woman, and her curiously innocent daughter, Clara, who spend a summer of 1953 in Florence, Italy. When Clara falls in love with Fabrizio, a young Italian man, Margaret is forced to reconsider not only Clara’s future, but her own deep seated hopes and regrets as well. Based on a novella by Elizabeth Spencer, The Light in the Piazza won six Tony Awards in 2005 and is perhaps the most celebrated score of the past decade.

“Adam Guettel is one of the most celebrated composer/lyricists of the contemporary stage,” said Peter Rothstein, artistic director for Theater Latté Da. “The Light in the Piazza is his most recent masterpiece and provides wonderful roles for singer/actors, musicians and designers. Everything about the work is exquisite.”

The production is directed by Peter Rothstein with music direction by Denise Prosek. The design team includes scenic designer Rick Polenek (Theater Latté Da’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Evita and The Full Monty); costume designer Rich Hamson (Theater Latté Da’s Company, Spring Awakening, …Spelling Bee, Evita, Gypsy and Floyd Collins); lighting designer Paul Whitaker (Theater Latté Da’s …Spelling Bee and Evita) and sound designer Collin Sherraden (Theater Latté Da’s Company).

Tickets for The Light in the Piazzastart at $19 for preview performances and start at $29 for all other performances. Tickets are on sale now through the Ordway Ticket Office at www.Ordway.org or by calling (651) 224-4222. Group discounts are also available through Theater Latté Da by contacting groups@latteda.org or (612) 339-3003.

Support for the Theater Latté Da production of The Light in the Piazza is provided by City of Saint Paul Cultural STAR Program Funds, financed in part by the Neighborhood Sales Tax Revitalization Program, and the COMPAS/Travelers’ Arts & Diversity Committee. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Press Photography: Press photos can be found at http://www.theaterlatteda.com/media-room/media-room-2012-13-season/piazza-publicity-and-production-photos.

About Theater Latté Da: Theater Latté Da is a Twin Cities theater company recognized for its ability to connect artists, audiences and communities through diverse stories that are both entertaining and enlightening. The company seeks to create new connections between story, music, artists, and audience by exploring and expanding the art of musical theater. For more information, please visit Theater Latté Da’s website at www.LatteDa.org.

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