Quote of the Day: Clara is a girl who yearns desperately to know the world around her and find her particular place within that world, and I feel a strong kinship to her. Jenny Ledoux, on portraying Clara in Duluth Playhouse’s production of The Light in the Piazza. Playing through March 30, 2025. 

Among the many marvelous attractions in the Duluth area, add transporting theater to the list. With my son’s recent move to the area, and living only a couple hours away, I have had the pleasure of attending a few shows at the Duluth Playhouse, and they’ve been wonderful. Last year’s Next to Normal was a huge hit. This year’s mounting of The Light in the Piazza is equally spellbinding. You don’t want to miss this one!

Cast of “The Light in the Piazza” at Duluth Playhouse, through 3/30/25. Photo: Terry Cartie Norton

I’m acquainted with Kersten Rodau from her numerous, and amazing, roles on the Twin Cities stages. The character of Margaret Johnson seems to be tailored made for her. She gives the character of the over-protective mother such depth and compassion. Her gorgeous vocals soar up through the rafters and over Lake Superior. I was fully invested in her character and the emotions she evoked. I felt particularly drawn into her song when she sings to her distant husband, Roy (Sean Naughton) and their loveless marriage in “Dividing Day.” And, when she sings “Fable” to her daughter on her wedding day, “Love and be loved.” Absolutely gorgeous. Margaret and her daughter are visiting Italy, sometime in the early 1950’s, a few reminders of the devastating war are still around, but hope and renewal are abundant.

Kersten Rodau and Jenny LeDoux in “The Light in the Piazza” at Duluth Playhouse, through 3/30/25. Photo: Terry Cartie Norton

Jenny Ledoux plays Clara, Margaret’s daughter, who had suffered a traumatic brain injury from being kicked by a Shetland pony when she was twelve. It affected her development, and cause so much grief and overprotectiveness in her parents. So that when Clara falls in love with a young Italian man, we see not only the fear of cross cultures, great distance from family, but also the worry of being accepted for who you are. Jenny is absolutely darling in the role of Clara. She comes to the role with wide-eyed wonder, ready to embrace new sights, sounds, smells, and people. She starts to pick up the language, she meets a man. And, of course, there are complications.

Anthony Ferguson and Jace LeGarde in “The Light in the Piazza” at Duluth Playhouse, through 3/30/25. Photo: Terry Cartie Norton

Jace LeGarde plays the charming Fabrizio Naccarelli. He is also somewhat naïve and quickly smitten with the pretty American girl whose hat conveniently floats his way. (This was a fun theatrical trick to see the hat actually floating along above the actors.) And, oh my, when he sings, I think we all fell in love with him. His family is naturally suspicious and cautious of this new and swift romance, but they invite Margaret and her daughter into their home to get acquainted. 

Jace LeGarde and Jenny LeDoux in “The Light in the Piazza” at Duluth Playhouse, through 3/30/25. Photo: Terry Cartie Norton

Fabrizio’s brother Giuseppe (Antony Ferguson) is married, and his wife Franca (Alyson Enderle) is angry with him. It seems that he’s stepped out on her, and she is soured on the notion of love. When she gets Clara alone, she warns her that love is fleeting and to not get fooled, like she did. Enderle’s solo on “The Joy You Feel,” is gripping! 

The patriarch of the family, Signor Naccarelli, is understandably skeptical about the match. We saw understudy Samuel Haggen in the role on Saturday night, and he was wonderful. He gives just the right amount of paternal caution, while also understanding that you can’t really stand in the way in matters of the heart, nor dictate to your children who will win theirs. Signora Naccarelli (Lacy Sauter) gets her say in a lovely song that opens Act II. 

Lacy Sauter and cast of “The Light in the Piazza” at Duluth Playhouse, through 3/30/25. Photo: Terry Cartie Norton

I was swept away by the gorgeous music of this piece. It is both operatic and traditional musical theater. Several songs are sung in Italian, and it’s always clear what they’re singing about, through expression, context, and sometimes outright explaining. You have the tenor love songs that make you sigh. The soaring arias that fill the space and transport you beyond. The story is sweet without being saccharine. It’s about a mother’s love for her daughter and finding a way to let go and let her live her own life. The entire ensemble sells this show with their brilliance. They’re accompanied by a live pit orchestra under the direction of Kyle Picha. They were phenomenal. The show is directed by the outgoing Artistic Director Phillip Fazio. Beautiful period costumes by Peg Ferguson. Lovely scenic design, with movable set, by Tania Barrenechea. Jeff Brown did the light design, and Nick Gosen did the sound design.

You can experience this lovely piece of theater, The Light in the Piazza, at Duluth Playhouse through March 30, 2025. Let yourself be transported to Italy, early 1950’s, where art, love, and flowers bloom, and it might just restore your hope for goodness, kindness and belonging in this world.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Where do you dream of traveling? Do you have any plans in the works? Where did you, or would you like to, meet someone special?