TheatreWorks founding artistic director Robert Kelley directs the production that began previews Aug. 25 and will run through Sept. 25.

Eichenberger (Phantom of the Opera, Carousel) portrays protective mother Margaret Johnson with Bashor (The Fantasticks, Whistle Down the Wind) as her daughter Clara. Constantine Germanacos (Fanny) is young Italian Fabrizio Nacarelli.

The cast also features Martin Vidnovic (Baby) as Signor Nacarelli, Ariela Morgenstern as Franca, Caroline Altman as Signora Nacarelli, Nicholas Aliaga as Giuseppe, Richard Frederick as Roy Johnson and Colin Thomson as the Priest.

Here's how TheatreWorks describes Piazza: "The year is 1953 and Margaret, a protective American mother is traveling with her radiant but fragile daughter Clara in Florence. As mother and daughter explore the Piazza della Signoria, a serendipitous breeze blows Clara’s hat into the hands of handsome young Florentine, Fabrizio Naccarelli, and the two fall instantly in love. As their passions grow stronger, Margaret must wrestle with her impulse to protect Clara and her desire to see Clara loved and adored in a way that Margaret can only dream of."

Designing Piazza are John Wilson (scenic design), Fumiko Bielefeldt (costume design), Pamila Z. Gray (lighting design) and Cliff Caruthers (sound design). Billy Liberatore is musical director; Mike Ward is the choreographer/associate director. Guettel penned music and lyrics for Piazza, which has a book by Craig Lucas. The musical opened on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theater April 18, 2005. The musical earned eleven Tony nominations and took the honors for Best Original Score, Best Actress (Victoria Clark), Best Orchestrations, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design and Best Lighting Design.

For tickets phone (650) 903-6000 or visit TheatreWorks.

TheatreWorks' Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts is located at 500 Castro Street (at Mercy) in Mountain View, CA.