Morgan Geddes and Tanner Sroufe Photo courtesy of Musical Theatre Southwest

The music of The Light in the Piazza is complicated, complex, and romantic and requires musicians both instrumental and vocal to be well trained and professional. Long-time musical director Dr. Gregory Gallagher has once again assembled an outstanding orchestra. His talent and leadership continue to be MTS's greatest asset. Having a live orchestra is indeed a good thing.

Director Natalie Hadley has an impressive background in vocal music, and this is demonstrated by the excellent singing in this production. All the cast members have well-trained voices including members of the ensemble. The principals–Jane Walsh as Margaret Johnson, the mother; Morgan Geddes as Clara Johnson; and Tanner Sroufe as Fabrizio Naccarelli–are all dynamic singers. Indeed, the actors playing the entire Naccarelli family have strong voices.

The cast is not, however, that strong when it comes to diction and acting. The interactions between mother and daughter never reach true intimacy. Understanding what is being said and sung is difficult. Everyone seems to be focused on the music and not on the human connections. This is particularly disconcerting because the director purports to be using the Meisner Technique, a foundational tool in theatre training, prized for its emphasis on authenticity, spontaneity, and the actor's real human response to the moment. Nevertheless, kudos to David Rocha as Signor Naccarelli, Jane Walsh as Margaret Johnson, Tanner Sroufe as Fabrizio Naccarelli, and the incandescent Morgan Geddes as Clara Johnson.

At the very beginning of the production we are introduced to the Ballet Ensemble: four dancers in diaphanous white costumes who mirror the emotional feelings of the actors. Although they are aesthetically pleasing and choreographed well, their purpose is confusing. They also assist other ensemble members in moving the scenery–Columns and a revolving center circular platform that is moved by hand. Since the production is staged in the round, this was no doubt intended to facilitate the flow of the production. But all the moving of furniture, props, and the columns is very distracting. The show starts to look like a musical about dancing and moving scenery. The dancers are well trained and talented, but much of what they do seems superfluous. Sometimes less is more. It is not necessary to explicate every emotion with action.

Costumes, hair, and makeup by Khristah Garcia are nearly perfect for each character. The upscale ladies' suits for Margaret Johnson, the flowery dresses for Clara, the edgy dress and seamed stockings for Erin Elisa as Franca Naccarelli are all ideal, with their attention to detail. Nearly every costume is well designed and appropriate for the character. The set design by Dave Costello is well done for theatre in the round. The lighting design by Brittney Baker is serviceable and unobtrusive.

The Light in the Piazza is a musical and almost an opera. It includes songs and dialogue in Italian. The musical explores profound themes, such as love, societal expectations, disability, and the complexities of family dynamics, all set against the backdrop of 1950s Italy. There are several outstanding performances. You should make plans to experience this challenging and thought-provoking show.

The Light in the Piazza runs July 24 – August 9, 2026. at Musical Theatre Southwest, 6320 Domingo Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. General Admission: $33.00, Military/Student/AHCC/TLC/ATG: $30.00, Groups of 12 or more: $29.00 For information: 505 265-9119 or www.mtsabq.org

Directed by Natalie Hadley, Music Director: Dr. Gregory Gallagher, Set Designer: Dave Costello, Lighting Designer: Brittney Baker, Costume Designer: Khristah Garcia, Stage Manager: Lisa Hancock, Choreographer: Amie Tennant, Properties Designer: Nina Dorrance, Assistant Stagemanager: Tobie Barker.

The Cast: Jane Walsh, Morgan Geddes, Tanner Sroufe, Santiago Baca, Erin Elisa, David Rocha, Deborah Flores, Chad Terry, Bekah Struthers, Nathaniel Ray Minton, Meridith Williamson, Joaquin Dean, Kaya Howard, Daniel Garcia, Kristen Timmons, Jasmine Sahd, BrieAnn Gillespie.