This little light of mine

The Weber State University Department of Performing Arts is bringing a classic story of love to campus starting tonight, March 5, in the form of The Light in the Piazza.
“It takes place in Italy; it’s kind of a ‘warm’ show,” said WSU senior Cameron Garner, who plays the male lead, Fabrizio. “It has one of the most romantic scores you will hear out there for a musical. It’s just a very simple show.”
Directed by WSU performing arts professor Jim Christian, recently recognized for his original piece Sleepy Hollow, the story is based on a novel from 1953.
“It follows the story of a woman and her daughter who go to Italy, which is where the mother and father had honeymooned,” Christian said. “Because (of) an injury when she was younger, the daughter is developmentally disabled. She is 26 years old and seems by all appearances to be perfectly normal, but she stopped emotionally developing at the age of 12.”
While in Florence, the daughter, Clara, falls in love with a young local, Fabrizio, portrayed by Garner.
“It explores some very romantic relationships and some family relationships,” Garner said. “It’s all about just being able to see another person for who they really are, despite obstacles and difficulties and really seeing yourself and seeing another person in the truth of who they are.”
The performing arts department is excited to bring this particular story to WSU, mostly because of its music and message.
“It was easy to cast within our department and I also think it’s a very fine piece of dramatic and musical literature, which is one of the criteria we use when selecting shows,” Christian said, “something that’s worthwhile and good for presenting to the public.”
Rehearsals began in November and have continued over the past three months.
“It’s been a very emotional ride, watching the process of putting this together and combining not just the voices but the talent and the acting, and putting the whole picture together,” said Michell Casteel, WSU junior and stage manager for the production. “We’ve got some incredible talent at Weber State as it is, but this show has highlighted some awesome students with their abilities.”
The cast and crew believes the story has something everyone can relate to and hope the public will take something away from the production.
“I think everybody has a connection to the show in a way that fits into them,” Casteel said. “Parents, because of the struggles of raising kids and the differences in letting go, at some point realizing when they’re old enough to take care of themselves or when they’re mentally ready to take that on; for kids, that growing-up experience. You can connect to first love and romance, watching two different cultures come together. It’s just very well-rounded.”
WSU’s production of The Light at the Piazza will be playing March 5-6 and 9-13 at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, March 13. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-WSU-TIKS for $10 or $7 for students.