South Coast Repertory: Piazzas of Florence

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Piazzas of Florence

Florence

The Light in the Piazza is a glorious musical that dazzles. So does the actual light in the piazzas of Italy—especially in Florence. Take a walk around, beginning where the play begins, in Piazza della Signoria. The early morning light is soothing, but by midday it’s radiant.

Early morning light in Piazza della Signoria

Afternoon light

Clara and her mother are American tourists vacationing in Florence. Margaret talks (and sings) with her daughter about the city’s history, which began here, in Piazza della Signora. They stroll, passing a statue of David. Suddenly, Clara’s straw hat catches in the breeze and lands at the feet of a dashing young Italian—Fabrizio.

A copy of Michelangelo’s David, in Piazza della Signora

Clara and Margaret tour the Ufizzi, one of Europe’s great museums—and Fabrizio appears. Later, as they visit the Duomo (Basilica de Santa Maria del Fiore, the majestic cathederal of Florence), there is Fabrizio again.

The Ufizzi

The Duomo

Clara and Margaret join Fabrizio and his father at a cafe near Piazzale Michelangelo, high atop a hill, with its panoramic view of the city. This is where the two young people take a walk around the spacious square—alone for the first time—and begin to fall in love.

David, in Piazzale Michelangelo

View of Florence from the hill

Fabrizio works in his father’s tie shop in the Piazza della Repubblica, just one of the city’s light-filled spaces where, surely, the characters in this charming musical must have strolled—and where tourists will always find delight.