The Light in the Piazza (Southbank Centre)

Yup, I'll wait for the discounts on this one

Although it's a great venue, seats at the back are a long, long way away so anything decent is going to be expensive.
I'll also wait for offers hopefully.

I get what you're saying but if I had a choice, the score with a large orchestra wins out.

A long post - apologies

I love this show - I'm a huge Adam Guettel fan. I saw it in Seattle with Victoria Clark playing Margaret, Celia Keenan-Bolger as Clara, Stephen Pasquale - Fabrizio and Kelli O'Hara - Franca. It was in a 400 seat theatre with, as noted above, a 5 piece orchestra. It was a small, beautiful mess - there was clearly much work to be done - but there was lots which was very good - most notably key elements of the score. I saw it at the Goodman where Wayne Wilcox had taken over as Fabrizio and Bart Sher assumed director duties. It was bigger, it was better - it still needed work. And then of course at Lincoln Centre where Kelli O'Hara moved over to play Clara and the orchestra increased to around 12 I think. It was, and is, a flawed masterpiece - and, in my opinion, just about managing, thanks to the marvellous Michael Yeargan set, to fill a fairly large space. Central to all three productions was Victoria Clark giving one of the best performances I've ever seen by a singing actress. I didn't see the US tour as reports were that too often it was swallowed up by the huge touring theatres (some around 2,500 seats). I enjoyed the Curve production - though it didn't erase memories of Lincoln Centre - though in fairness nothing will.

So am I looking forward to upcoming production? Yes, of course - the score is wonderful and it will undoubtedly be well played and well sung. But is a 40 piece onstage orchestra, a leading lady better known for her vocal prowess than subtly of acting (her recent recording of Fable is fine - but no more - there's no goosebumps moment), and a venue which has limited staging facilities (it's difficult to think that we will be transported to sun-drenched Italy despite what it may say on the press release) going to mean that everything is too big, too broad, too Broadway with a capital B? And the fact that they mention neither Guettel nor Craig Lucas on the SBS website annoys the hell out of me.

I'm glad it's not going down the full reductive Menier route - the score is definitely better with the New York orchestrations that in Seattle. I've always thought it would be a good fit for Chichester, possibly because it's not dissimilar to the Vivian Beaumont Theatre, so there's a certain irony that the AD is directing it - though not on home territory. And where's Audra McDonald when you need her - imagine her performance of Fable.

I know I'll love bits of it - I know I'll loathe others - but ultimately I'm glad it's finally here.

Cast includes Rob Houchen, Celinde Schoenmaker, Liam Tamne, Marie McLaughlin and Malcolm Sinclair

nm, read the news myself now!

Can anyone enlighten me why front stalls are cheaper than back stalls at the Royal Festival Hall?

Possibly because it’s flat whereas the rear stalls is stepped and a perfect view. Odd venue if it’s going to actually be staged though. Great accoustics.

📣 CASTING NEWS 📣
Joining Renée Fleming and Dove Cameron will be acclaimed West End star and 2019 Off West End award-winner, Rob Houchen, as Clara’s suitor, Fabrizio Naccarelli.

Celinde Schoenmaker will play the role of Franca Naccarelli. Previously Celinda has starred as Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, and played the role of Fantine in the West End production of Les Misérables. She is well-known for her YouTube and podcast collaborations with Carrie Hope-Fletcher.

Liam Tamne will play Guiseppe Naccarelli. Previously Liam has taken the roles of Raoul in Phantom of the Opera, Enjolras in Les Misérables and Fiyero in Wicked as well as being a member of Will.i.am’s team on The Voice Season 2.

Fabrizio’s mother Signora Naccarelli will be played by Olivier-nominated international soprano, Marie McLaughlin, who has performed at many of the world’s leading opera houses including Covent Garden, The Metropolitan Opera, New York and Munich Opera.

Malcolm Sinclair will make a welcome return to the London stage as Margaret’s husband and Clara’s father, Roy Johnson. Malcolm’s career spans more than three decades and encompasses a vast array of West End, National Theatre and RSC productions alongside roles in films such as Casino Royale and V for Vendetta.

The rich singing talent in the company includes Matthew Woodyatt, Rhona McGregor, Tom Partridge, Molly Lynch, Nicholas Duncan, Chlöe Hart, Danny Becker, Monica Swayne and Simbi Akande.

20 SHOWS ONLY - From 14th June
🎟️ lightinthepiazzathemusical.com 🎟️

He plays Romeo's older brother, not the father.

This honestly looks like it’s going be quite spectacular. I’m sure it will start to discount eventually. I’m very excited about this show.

Thank you.

I had a look at the ticket prices yesterday, out of curiosity, & couldn't believe how high they were. Not only £150 top price but the entire front stalls is £90 or more. I've seen several shows at the RFH, both complete musicals & compilation shows, & have usually paid about £30 for front row stalls. While I wouldn't mind hearing the piece again there is absolutely no way I'll be going at those prices, especially as neither of the 2 leading ladies are how I envisage their roles.