Light in the Piazza Tony's performance

[TheatreFilmBuff]

One of the best productions I have ever seen! Matthew Morrison was at his best, Kelli O'Hara was absolutely wonderful, and Victoria Clark gave one of the best performances I have ever seen. Such a beautiful and enchanting show.

[ThePhantom135]

I hate it when people flag a person's comment as negative just because it's not the same opinion as everyone else's. They have a right to their opinion; it's good to hear opposing sides.

sorry you got flagged, roccoh21. i might not 100% agree with your comment about PIAZZA but it's intelligent and honest.

[ProRachStravinsKiev]

Kelli's voice makes my heart melt. It's the purest, easiest, freest sound I've ever heard.

[71crm]

Wow! Kelli O'Hara is a really beautiful woman!!!!

[Astroknot3]

The woman who plays the mom is awesome. I suddenly had this fantasy, though, of an alternate universe where Julie Andrews sings this.

[JoshFzr]

This show was beautiful

[terpsichore1974]

I went to OCU with Kelli and also Kristin Chenoweth and had the privilige of watching them both perform and many productions. I know how hard those girls worked and words can never express how happy I am for their success. Florence Birdwell, taught them both there and she helped create two astonishingly beautiful talented vocalists. Merde

[Izzy13185]

Victoria Clarke's southern drawl is kind of terrible.

[Sixmonte]

@Izzy13185 um she won a Tony- Thanks

[broadwayboundguy]

@Izzy13185 If you've ever been to Winston Salem, North Carolina, it is actually quite spot on.

[Izzy13185]

@broadwayboundguy I have actually been to Winston-Salem and no, it isn't.

[broadwayboundguy]

@Izzy13185 My grandmother on my father's side is from Winstom-Salem, and she has the exact same dialect that Victoria Clark uses in this production. I've been there several times. You have to keep in mind, as well, that this show takes place in the 50's. While the dialect may not be widely used much these days, you should keep this in mind.

[musicalsaremylife17]

This is simply amazing! Victoria Clarke is a legend. Kelli Ohara is a legend in the making. And Matthew Morrison is gorgeous and has one of the best male voices ever!

[lbrj720]

i love this <3 musicals is the one of the best entertainment out there <3

[GretaGarboGirl]

Keli O'Hara is SUCH a boss

[phantom1897]

One of the best modern musicals to date!!!

[esswrig]

Kelli O'Hara is one of the most beautiful voices on Broadway today.

[DowneyAdmirer]

Haaaaa, I'd watched this dozens and dozens of times before I knew who Matthew was. Too funny,

[cheersas247]

Never gonna forget this performance. Victoria. Clark.

[RentandWicked]

this is amazing

[IIIThreat]

"...from the heart..." When she sang that, I got shivers down my spine. If I was there I would have, "YOU BETTA SANG, GIRL!" LoL!

[Judill]

Victoria Clark is breathtaking in this show. So is Kelli O'Hara. Insanely beautiful.

[MaryBridget12]

This is such a beautiful and classic and timeless show. Shows like American Idiot are not going to be around forever, but you can bet that this one is going to be remembered for a while.

This, my friends, is ART!

[60daystillmay]

Kelli O'Hara is amazing!! And Matthew Morrison is so great! I love this

[emmyv05]

@danastefany the point is that they are americans visiting the country. its quite possible its on purpose. In fact, considering Clark's history with classical music, its a safe bet that they pronounced it incorrectly on purpose.

[lucyco602]

oh the things i would do to matthew morrison...

[Guyver38]

I am a grown man but I remember I thought when I first heard this "This must be what its like to appreciate art" and I teared up a bit gj uploader

[swthemer]

What is the lyric at 1:57? Is it an Italian word, because I'm not hearing exactly what it is.

[mpsmithpt2001]

Fiorenza (Florence), if I had to guess

[niccocello]

is Firenze,(florence in italian)

:)

[swthemer]

Thanks very much :D

[0888104]

The word is "Firenze" its italian for Florence

[CEDwyer1969]

I wish they had included a song or a snippet of a song with Matthew Morrison singing as well.

[tmmschick]

me to

[aasjb4ever]

I'm sorry but this is truly art. This is beautiful.

[michaeljester]

why apologize? it's gorgeous.

[purpleandblack98]

Victoria is my mom's best friend. i no most of you may not believe me but its true. they went to hockaday together and then vikki went to yale and my mom went to stanford. the're still best friends except vikki lives in new york and my mom livesn in Los angeles. i am best friends with vikki's son TL short for thomas lucas. VIKKI IS SO NICCE!!!!

[brandomeow]

Samuel I agree with you. I am a theatre director by trade but my dream is to do West Side Story on broadway. Sometimes what cannot be expressed through drama can be expressed best in song. My mentor had a career in the musical theatre, she was a triple threat and she misses it terribly. I love drama, but some of my fave shows are musicals. I wish i had the talent they do. Some of the best singers are on Broadway, those people can emote with a song better than some actors with words.

[SamuelBChan]

personally with this debate, people forget that the line between opera and musical theatre has blurred over the past decades. Traditionally, Opera was a theatre of Singers who could sorta (sometimes not really) act, who focused on teh art of singing as an instrument of the highest caliber comparable to a soloist in an orchestra etc. while Musical was Theatre with actors who could sing. In musical theatre, singing and acting are on par, while in opera, singing comes first.

[SamuelBChan]

also, to be a good musical theatre actor you have to have equal knowledge of singing and acting. Still, their vocal training isn't as intense as in opera or classical singing because in opera, the voice has to have a resonance and timbre that flows above the orchestra, which is why some of the best opera singers can drown out an orchestra. Still, that doesnt' mean that their voices arn't of excellent quality and many sopranos in musical theatre have gorgeous voices.

[roccoh21]

An overrated show I wanted to love. The score was often lovely but the lyrics unmemorable and the performances so passionate but the show ultimately flat. Christine Andreas was phenomenal and I am a HUGE fan of Victoria Clark but it was obvious who should have opened the show on Broadway.

[canani02]

I think they should have performed aiutami instead. that song is so intense

[Silver54ful]

I think it's combining the singing and the acting so the technique is accurate but there's sincerity to the character. I've seen performances where the actor either has one trait o rthe other. It maybe entertaining but the character doesn't feel complete. I personally thought Kelli had the whole package for Clara! I thought she had the phenomenal vocals and the integrity to play a handicapped but evolving young woman. I was so disappointed when she didn't win the Tony along with Victoria.

[goosieewoosieee]

matthew morrison is a babe

[TotalTheatreGeek]

i LOVE him!!! xD

[Silver54ful]

This is one of my favorite recent musicals. It's such a shame it had to leave Broadway. Victoria and Kelli are stunning! The story is timeless in it's own right. But you're right. Adam Guttels's music is so lush and calming. While I love contemporary music, I would to heatr more classical musical theater. That is where everything started afterall.

[liuxgrace]

agreed!!!

[VeritasLA]

I've spent 40+ years listening to and loving musicals, but there is something about this haunting music and the gifted, soaring vocals that give me the kind of chills I get from being in complete awe of spectacular talent. And that's EVERY TIME I hear it! God's blessings can be so amazing. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to see them sing it live. Many thanks to the person who shared this with us so I can see and hear them sing again. Definitely one of my all-time favorites.

[wickedbway]

agreed

[chocolatesouljah]

I love Victoria Clark. I saw her in How 2 Succeed and Titanic. And Kelli O'Hara... Wow!

[lostONstage710]

my fave musical EVER!!!!!

[uKooKu]

Mine too - it hearkens back to an age of elegance.. downright pretty... in a good way

[dramanrc]

what was with the hand held mic?

[AmbularNYC]

They thought that her mic had gone out right before and handed that to her.

[therealyukino]

Wow, how did you know that?

[dancinfool012]

Victoria Clark said it in an interview somewhere.

[riddlefiddler]

What theater was this held in?

[cptgreat]

The Tony Awards are held in Radio City Music Hall, New York City. The actual show was run in Lincoln Center's theater.

[MusicAndPassion]

Kelli O'Hara is amazing. She should have won the Tony that year.

[Judill]

sorry, Katie can't sing like that.

[wrightza]

I totally agree. Katie is decent, but Kelli is phenomenal!

[cdmsinger]

the two girls are completely different. and two completely different takes on the role. they are both fantastic!

[PhantomDawg594]

It's simple.

Katie's a better actress,

Kelli's a better singer.

But in musical theatre, acting is always more important than singing. ALWAYS.

[EnchantedSilence]

In musical theatre SINGING is more important because it is MUSICAL theatre. If you can act your ass off but you can't hold a tune to save your life then why be in musical theatre. The point is to sing. Also Kelli O'Hara is a better singer and actress by far.

[PhantomDawg594]

In theatre in general, ACTING is by far the most important aspect. It's theatre for God's sake. Singing is undeniably important (note I didn't say you could be absolutely terrible at singing and expect to get a Tony for the role), but if you can sing as well as Katie Clarke, and act your pants off like she can, then you've pretty much got the role made. Kelli, while a better vocalist, is trumped in acting when Katie is in the picture. Sorry, try again.

[EnchantedSilence]

The Light in the Piazza is a MUSICAL not a play, therefore singing is more important. I know so many people who can sing and can't act but get the role. And it's your own opinion so I don't need to "try again" because MY opinion is that Kelli O'Hara is better.

[ozkid911]

just because its a musical, doesn't mean acting is not important. the purpose of theatre is to tell a story, you can't negate acting just because someones a strong singer.

[EnchantedSilence]

I'm not saying that acting is not important, I'm saying that singing in MUSICAL theatre is more important than the acting. Acting is still important just not as important as singing. Yes theatre is about telling a story and in MUSICAL theatre the music tells most of the story.

[pianostix]

she actually can.

not in the PBS recordings,

but once she got into the swing of things i heard she was marvelous.

[dandaman0001]

Adding to this whole debate between which is important acting and singing are both important. There are many people who can just hold a pitch and are just dead to the world. But the truly great singers can make the song come alive with their acting ability. The problem with musical theatre is that there is so much to learn. It's hard to be able to really dive into the acting part because in the professional world they do want you to learn everything as FAST as possible.

[mykat2]

Wonderful performance! I just had a thought, I reckon that woman (the mother) would make a great Norma Desmond! what do you think?

[PhantomDawg594]

I agree! :D Victoria Clark would be perfect!

[chebsheb]

and when i say the original cast, i just meant kelli and matthew. i got to see everyone else who was part of the original cast

[keithkaky]

I've never seen the play itself. But I bought the soundtrack when the musical got such raves. And I can tell you it ranks as one of my top 3 or 4 musical theater recordings of all time. I long, long to see it live.

[chebsheb]

it was absolutely amazing live! if you ever get a chance, i definitely recommend seeing it. i didn't get to see the original cast, but i did get to see aaron lazar and katie clarke. sooo good :)

[Ropo07]

i love Kelli

she just came in for a masterclass today at school shes amazing

[shmoogle14]

Kelli O'Hara is going to be Nellie Forbush in the revival of SOUTH PACIFIC!!!! She is sooooo amazing!!!!

[0broadway0baby0]

I'm so excited for that! I can't wait!

[imaphanxx]

really?! thats so interesting im really excited! can't wait for that! and great video by the way thank you for uploading!

[jfjhew83]

So beautiful. Wonderful music and voices.

[patricia5]

I wish I could see this play with Kelli, Victoria and Matthew. They had such great chemistry! This performance just gives me chills and it's not even one of my favorite songs.

[vegasvoice]

Kelli O'Hara is almost the perfect woman. A gorgeous voice, a gorgeous face, a gorgeous personality. Basically, she's gorgeous.

[Ginaomibdwy]

you know she was freakin backstage cuzz her microphone wasn't working, so she had to hold that microphone until it started working! i heard it on the broadway station!!

[mykat2]

Oh i c... I wondered why the hell she had that.

[REBECCAtheSOPRANO]

it gives me chills!

[broadwaybaby086]

I saw her at Seth's Chatterbox tonight and the beginning of this clip is so hilarious now after hearing her tell the story of the hand-mic drama. Hi-larious.

Well done, Vicki!

[TommyBoy249er]

omg i totally love Victoria Clark!!! she's amazing!!!

[watagloreusfeeln]

can u put up adam guettel's acceptance speech please?

[AvenueQdude]

GO LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA! AMZNG!

[gtr0329]

I got a chance to see this live last year in NYC. It was so amazing! It was the first musical I've ever seen live and it was an experience I'll never forget. I couldn't stop talking about this musical for weeks. Love it! Miss it!

[GoodMorningDupa]

i remember this.. back when i didnt like broadway, i thot this song was amazing!@

[broadwayxobaby]

I absolutely love Kelli O'Hara!! She was just as amazing as when i saw her in the pajama game..incredible. and that katie girl who replaced her just 1 week after she graduated!! i must give her some serious props for that. and she was really good! but Kelli is amazing!

[tuckersaysthis]

love it, love it, love it.

[dawgguh592]

OMG victoria and kelli are great together! (and alone for that matter)

[CHRISNOON3]

Kelli is just fantastic. What a voice! Katie isn't a patch on her. I thought Katie was terrible on the PBS special. Maybe because we were spoilt with Kelli on the OBC.

[RapazQuente88]

No, it's not a British accent.  It's a very specific North Carolina dialect... and it's quite accurate, I might add.

[REBECCAtheSOPRANO]

matthew morrison is so completely dreamy. i wish there was more of him in this video.... but still a good video :)

[theslumsofsoftfocus]

He really, really is. I was so excited when he was on As the World Turns, because I got to look at his dreaminess every day. And then I was so sad when he left after only a few weeks in the role.

[REBECCAtheSOPRANO]

aw, that's sad.... i don't watch soaps so i never knew he was on. i'd love to see him in a musical live....

[thundercat8]

Haha, is that supposed to be a British accent?

[lakme]

Nope, South Carolina.

[lakme]

Oh wait, my bad. They were from North Carolina. Ah well, close enough.

[thundercat8]

Is that how people speak in North Carolina? Oh dear.

[capcanes]

Yes some ppl in NC talk like that bc its a southern accent. But some have a country accent or some dont.

[boyledryce]

What is with the microphone at the beginning? Its very odd, and then she passes it off?

[lakme]

The clip-on microphone wasn't working until about halfway into the song. Vicky handled it very well.

[luv2tap]

show me tap dancing videos please

[theangelslove]

luv2tap

show me tap dancing videos please

if u want 2 c tap...search tap. there is no tap in this musical. deal w/ it.

[irishdancingsinger]

the PBS broadcast is already on here (to dottore06)

[Theappleofeden]

Kelli is my favorite, but I enjoy Katie as well. Victoria is fantastic.

[girlofnubia]

Kelli O'Hara = Adorable.

[pistonwriston]

It was extremely good! i'm having my friend load it onto her computer because we recorded it... i now can't wait to see this show in january when it comes to pittsburgh

[dottore06]

I NEED TO SEE THE PBS BROADCAST! CAN SOMEONE GET IT ONLINE?!?!?

[blckrocker]

i like this cast better than the new one

the pbs broadcast was so boring compared to when i saw it on broadway

[ABSteel]

Something about Kelli reminds me of Gwen Paltrow.

[isabellacullen]

me either. Kelli O'Hara was my favorite

[grahambailey]

Adam Guettel is amazing.

Although I actually like the new cast better than this one, the whole play's amazing if it's done right, especially live.

Katie Clarke? I'd love it if the new cast could be put on here -the PBS broadcast, maybe?

[lakme]

I'm not fond of Katie Clarke vocally; she strains on the high notes. Though I do prefer her portrayal of the character... Celia Keenan-Bolger's probably my favorite overall, though.

[irishdancingsinger]

it is now!!! :) :) :)

[isabellacullen]

i agree! we need more, i still like Matthew Morrison even if he has no lines! lol

[whitelimousine]

Mmm ... Matthew Morrison, Mr. Hot-hat-catcher-with-no-lines. :) I like! Kelli and Victoria were amazing at the Tony's, and I'm so sad that I couldn't see Piazza in person. We definitely need more on here.

[isabellacullen]

me too! i saw it three times! i also love Matthew Morrison and Kelli O'Hara

[bryshaleigh]

I LOVE THIS MUSICAL!

[isabellacullen]

I loved this play especially with Kell O'hara. We need more Light In The Piazza

[macrent20]

This was my favorite show of 2005, it is beautiful. It is modern and yet has a older classic "Broadway Feel". It is just magical.

[watdahek777]

This is such a BEAUTIFUL show. Thank you so much for sharing!

[rosondheim]

Thank you for posting this. We need more Piazza on here!  I love it...

[ccballet9]

we do need more piazza!

[ncapino]

THANK YOU! I love this show, and I'm using the title song in my audition for AMDA NY this saturday....Adam Guettel is amazing!