LeadingLadybug

I first learned about "The Light in the Piazza" when I heard a snippet of "Say It Somehow," sung by original Broadway cast members Kelli O'Hara and Matthew Morrison. I bought the recording and fell head over heels in love with both the story and the music. There is something so relevant and so heartwarming about this wonderful show that pulls you right into the characters' world.

Based on a novella written by Elizabeth Spencer, the story is set in post-war, 1950's Italy. It follows a wealthy American named Margaret Johnson (played by a vibrant Victoria Clark, who captured a Tony Award for this role) and her grown-up daughter (Katie Rose Clarke) on vacation. Margaret is extremely overprotective of her beautiful, child-like Clara. When Clara falls in love with a handsome Florentine named Fabrizio (Aaron Lazar), Margaret must learn to overcome her fears and her own disappointments in love to allow her daughter a chance at happiness.

Above all, this is a story devoted to every kind of love, including the love of a mother for the daughter she cannot protect forever, the fading love between a husband and wife, and the intoxicating love of two young people who have just met. There is a theme of loss and renewal that echoes throughout and is summarized beautifully with Margaret's ending ballad: "Can you find in the wide, wide world that someone sees, that someone loves you? Love, love, love if you can, my Clara. Love if you can and be loved. May it last forever."

Victoria Clark is superb as the devoted mother, playing the role with grace and feeling. You can hear her joy and pain in every note of her ringing soprano.

A fabulous performance is given by Aaron Lazar, who looks and sounds exactly like a young, infatuated Italian. Had he played Fabrizio in the original cast, he probably would have won the Tony.

The ensemble cast is also noteworthy, from the wry Signor Nacarelli (Chris Sarandon) to the cynical Franca (Sarah Uriarte Berry).

I would have given this a 10 out of 10 had there been a stronger Clara. Katie Rose Clarke does a great job portraying the emotions of this complex character, but it's often painfully obvious that her voice is not up to par. The role of Clara is tough to sing and requires an actress who can perform it vocally. It's true that original cast member Kelli O'Hara left some pretty big shoes to fill. Clarke does the best that she can, however, and manages to make up for a lot with her expressive face and interpretation of Clara.

All in all, with its deeply moving love story, fantastic performances, and gorgeous lyrical music (composed by Adam Guettel, the grandson of Richard Rodgers of Rodgers and Hammerstein fame), this is a musical that is not to be missed.

9/10

"Little Women" is a gem of a movie, encompassing comedy, drama, and romance into one well-made film that is true to Louisa May Alcott's literary classic. It follows the lives of the four March sisters, from the turbulence of youth, the turmoil and romance of adolescence, the joy of love, and the pain of loss. The quality of this movie depends entirely upon the chemistry between the actors, and it accomplished this with success. The film is a vignette of scenes throughout the sisters' lives, showing their relationships with one another and with the people around them.

Winona Ryder is the quintessential Jo, the tomboyish, spirited sister who dreams of becoming an accomplished writer. She brings a refreshingly sweet, human touch to the character, who is as impulsive and headstrong as she is ambitious and loving. Ryder carried the film beautifully, and much of its success is due to her.

Trini Alvarado made a very pretty and convincing Meg, the dependable older sister, although she is not so set on marrying for money as she is in the book. Claire Danes as sweet, selfless Beth, really shone in one heartbreaking scene that is impossible not to cry through. For her performance as the spoiled youngest sister, Amy, the very young Kirsten Dunst showed remarkable potential, and brought humor to the character.

Christian Bale as Laurie was everything the "boy next door" should be: handsome, kind, and charming. His chemistry with Winona Ryder was considerable, and made their friendship very believable. Susan Sarandon played a wonderful Marmee, supportive and loving towards her girls.

Another thing I would recommend is the soundtrack to this movie, composed by Thomas Newman, which has some gorgeous music on it.

10/10

"Ever After" is a wonderfully imaginative romance. It's a classic Cinderella tale set in 16th-century France and revolves around an independent young woman named Danielle. Although she works as a servant for her stepmother, Danielle is anything but weak and subservient. She is passionate and strong-willed, qualities that lead her to the French court dressed as a wealthy courtier to save a man's life. There she meets the handsome Prince Henry, who is jaded by his suffocating royal lifestyle. He is fascinated by Danielle and her thirst for life and adventure, and they fall deeply in love - but her jealous stepmother will do anything to keep them apart.

Drew Barrymore turns in a stunning performance as Danielle. Her emotions are raw and realistic and she gives the character charm, wit, and beauty.

Anjelica Huston brings a third dimension to her role as the "evil" stepmother, who is usually just portrayed as a flat character. In this movie she is an ambitious mother who would do anything to make her own daughter a queen.

The Prince is also usually a pretty flat, cliché character, but Dougray Scott brought a refreshingly human side to him and portrayed his struggles and conflicts very well.

The script is strong for a romantic fairy tale and the cinematography is gorgeous. There is one scene in which Danielle is floating on her back in the river, a dreamy and breathtaking moment that describes her carefree nature perfectly. The music composed by George Fenton is lovely - I recommend the soundtrack for this movie too, especially "Walking On Water."

A wonderful movie for all lovers of romance! 10/10