The Light in the Piazza

This is a grand old-school operatic musical which burst onto Broadway in 2005 amid lighter fare and special-effects-laden shows. Based on a novella by Elizabeth Spencer, the story is set in the 1950s and revolves around a mother-daughter trip to Italy and explores past, present and future loves of both women. Under a tight directing crew, the cast is a swirl of musical and acting talents—most notably Carly Giroux as the mother, who achingly coveys hope and heartache while belting out impressive vocals. Every member of this cast combines noteworthy acting and musical talents, backed up by pure skill. F, Sa 8pm; Su 7pm. Through 9/7. $18. Green Valley Theatre Company at Grange Performing Arts Center, 3823 V Street; (916) 736-2664; www.greenvalleytheatre.com.