The Light in The Piazza (2005)

5 Musicals for Classically Trained Singers
It can be intimidating for a classically trained singer to approach musical

theatre repertoire. Many of the shows currently on Broadway lean closer to pop
music than classical, and many of the legit-style shows that are performed are at
least fifty years old. But not all hope is lost – there are still contemporary musicals
that are being written with songs that are perfect for classical singers. Check out
these pieces for your next musical theatre auditions!
The Light in the Piazza (2005)

Based on the novella by Elizabeth Spencer, The Light in the Piazza is set in the 1950s.
The story revolves around wealthy Southern woman Margaret Johnson and her
developmentally stunted daughter, Clara, who are spending their summer in Italy.
When Clara falls in love with Fabrizio, an Italian man, Margaret is forced to
reconsider Clara’s future, as well as her own.
Notable Songs:
“Il Mondo Era Vuoto” – Fabrizio Naccarelli (Tenor)

Having just met Clara, Fabrizio sings this heartfelt declaration of love to himself,
hoping that he will be able to win her heart.
“The Joy You Feel” – Franca Naccarelli (Soprano/Mezzo-Soprano)

Fabrizio’s sister-in-law, Franca takes Clara on a tour of the family’s home and warns
her about how quickly love can fade in a marriage.
“The Light in the Piazza” – Clara Johnson (Soprano)

When Margaret tries to convince Clara to leave Florence and Fabrizio, Clara comes
forth with this declaration of love for Fabrizio.
“Love to Me” – Fabrizio Naccarelli (Tenor)

When Clara becomes worried about her mental state and her ability to marry
Fabrizio, Fabrizio reassures her of their love with this song.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (2013)

Monty Navarro has just found out that he is the ninth in line to inherit the earldom
of Highhurst, seat of the wealthy D’Ysquith family. He decides to make his claim for
the earldom by killing all of the heirs in front of him. He also must balance his love
for Miss Sibella Hallward, a wealthy social-climber, and Miss Phoebe D’Ysquith, his
recently discovered, kind-hearted cousins.
Notable Songs:
“I Don’t Know What I’d Do” = Sibella Hallward (Mezzo-Soprano)

Sibella expresses her appreciation for Monty, although refuses to marry him as he is
poor.
“Foolish to Think” – Monty Navarro (Baritone)

Having been rejected by Sibella regarding his feelings for her, Monty dreams about
his idyllic life he would have if he were to inherit the D’Ysquith fortune.
“Inside Out” – Phoebe D’Ysquith (Soprano)

Ever the optimist, Phoebe tells Monty about her views on the world and on love.
“Sibella” – Monty Navarro (Baritone)

Though Sibella is married, she and Monty have been carrying on an affair for quite a
while. Monty sings about his lover in this beautiful piece.
Grey Gardens (2006)

Based on a 1975 documentary, Grey Gardens follows the story of Edith Ewing
Bouvier Beale (“Big Edie”) and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale (“Little Edie”). The
two women, originally rich and sophisticated aristocrats, eventually end up largely
isolated in a decrepit home. Their mother-daughter relationship is explored as they
progress through the show.
Notable Songs:
“Will You?” – Big Edie (Soprano/Mezzo Soprano)

At the end of Act I, Big Edie has been deserted at Grey Gardens by all of her guests
and by her daughter. She sings this song to herself, the one that she had planned to
sing to her guests.
“Around the World” – Little Edie (Soprano/Mezzo Soprano)

By Act II, Little Edie has been stuck taking care of her mother for twenty years and
sings this song full of regret and bitterness.
The Bridges of Madison County (2014)

The Bridges of Madison County is also based on a book by the same name about
Francesca, an Italian war bride and wife of a farmer in Iowa. She meets and falls in
love with Robert, a visiting photographer, beginning an affair that threatens to tear
apart her family.
Notable Songs:
“What Do You Call a Man Like That?” – Francesca (Mezzo Soprano)

Francesca has just met Robert, who was lost and needed help finding his way around
town. She sings this song to herself as she considers the feelings she already has for
him.
“Almost Real” – Francesca (Mezzo-Soprano)
Francesca explains to Robert how she came to live on an Iowa farm with her
husband and family.
“Before and After You” – Francesca (Mezzo-Soprano)

Considering whether or not to run away with Robert, Francesca describes the reality
of leaving her family behind.
Love Never Dies (2010)

The sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies picks
up ten years after Phantom ends. Christine has been invited to perform at
Phantasma, a new attraction on Coney Island, and brings along her husband Raoul
and her son Gustave. What she doesn’t know is that it was “The Phantom” who
invited her to Brooklyn in the first place.
Notable Songs:
“Till I Hear You Sing Again” – The Phantom (Tenor)

The Phantom has been yearning for Christine for over ten years, and sings this song
dreaming for her to come back to him.
“Love Never Dies” – Christine (Soprano)

After being given a choice to stay with Raoul or sing for the Phantom, Christine
performs this song for an excited audience.

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What are the 5 musicals discussed in the passage?

What are the 5 musicals discussed in the passage?

What is the plot of The Light in the Piazza?

What is the plot of The Light in the Piazza?

5 Musicals for Classically Trained Singers

It can be intimidating for a classically trained singer to approach musical

The Light in the Piazza (2005)

“Il Mondo Era Vuoto” – Fabrizio Naccarelli (Tenor)

“The Joy You Feel” – Franca Naccarelli (Soprano/Mezzo-Soprano)

“The Light in the Piazza” – Clara Johnson (Soprano)

“Love to Me” – Fabrizio Naccarelli (Tenor)

A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (2013)

“I Don’t Know What I’d Do” = Sibella Hallward (Mezzo-Soprano)

“Foolish to Think” – Monty Navarro (Baritone)

“Inside Out” – Phoebe D’Ysquith (Soprano)

“Sibella” – Monty Navarro (Baritone)

Grey Gardens (2006)

“Will You?” – Big Edie (Soprano/Mezzo Soprano)

“Around the World” – Little Edie (Soprano/Mezzo Soprano)

The Bridges of Madison County (2014)

“What Do You Call a Man Like That?” – Francesca (Mezzo Soprano)

“Before and After You” – Francesca (Mezzo-Soprano)

Love Never Dies (2010)

“Till I Hear You Sing Again” – The Phantom (Tenor)

“Love Never Dies” – Christine (Soprano)

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