Acworth Actors Showcased in New Atlanta Play

Two local actors have major roles in a new production entitled "The Light in the Piazza," which opens on April 14 at the Balzer Theater at Herren's in downtown Atlanta.

Michael Strauss and Carolyn Dorff have significant credits in larger markets. Dorff has done a few national Broadway tours, including one of "The Secret Garden," while Strauss recently appeared opposite of "I Dream of Jeannie’s" Barbara Eden.

Here's the story: In 1953, Margaret Johnson (Vinings' Christy Baggett) of Winston-Salem is on holiday in Italy when dashing Fabrizio (Tim Quartier) falls fast for her daughter, Clara (Devon Hales). As the courtship races, Margaret must reveal a family secret or summon the courage to consent to marriage.

Adapted from the novella by Elizabeth Spencer with a score by Adam Guettel (grandson of composer Richard Rodgers), the play is being director by the former head of Georgia Shakespeare, Richard Garner.

Dorff developed breast cancer shortly after she moved to Atlanta almost four years ago. "As I was recovering, my husband put an article in my lap about Theatrical Outfit’s upcoming season," she said. "One of the shows on my bucket list was 'Light in the Piazza.' I immediately made contact with Theatrical Outfit and let them know of my desire to audition for this production."

"Carolyn, my new buddy from here in Acworth, plays my wife in the show and I'm grateful to share the stage with her," Strauss said. "The biggest challenge for me, as a 'non speaker,' is learning the Italian that I have to speak during the show. There are whole scenes that the family has together that are in Italian and I'm very impressed by my co-workers."