The release is no doubt timed to get the CDs in the hands of Tony voters before they file their ballots; Piazza is expected to receive multiple Tony nominations, including one for Best Score.

The album was recorded by Nonesuch on April 25. The Light in the Piazza is a love story of a young American woman, Clara (Kelli O'Hara), who, while on holiday, falls for a young Italian man. When the young woman's mother (Victoria Clark) learns of the affair, she opposes it for unknown reasons. The musical is set in Florence and Rome in the summer of 1953.

The musical's other leads include Michael Berresse (Kiss Me, Kate), Sarah Uriarte Berry (Taboo), Patti Cohenour, Beau Gravitte, Mark Harelik and Matthew Morrison (Hairspray). Bartlett Sher directs.

The cast of 18 also includes Glenn Seven Allen, David Bonanno, David Burnham, Laura Griffith, Prudence Wright Holmes, Jennifer Hughes, Felicity LaFortune, Catherine LaValle, Michel Moinot and Joseph Siravo.

The creative team includes Ted Sperling (musical direction), Michael Yeargan (sets), Catherine Zuber (costumes) and Christopher Akerlind (lights).

Piazza is based on Elizabeth Spencer's 1960 novella.