Interview: Tim Quartier of THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA at Theatrical Outfit

Tim Quartier delivers a heartwarming performance as Fabrizio in the Theatrical Outfit's LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA. His love for this part moved him from New York to Atlanta. Below, he discusses what he loves about this play.

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Clifton Guterman, Theatrical Outfit's Associate Artistic Director, described this as your "dream role". Please tell me about the journey that brought you to play this "dream role".

When and why did you come to think of this as your "dream role"?

I remember hearing the soundtrack to The Light in the Piazza as a senior in high school and thinking, "I have to sing that music." Adam Guettel's score is so rich and intricate and, frankly, my voice leans toward a more legit/operatic sound. It wasn't until years later when I saw the Live from Lincoln Center filmed version of the show that I fell in love with the story. A lush score and a heartbreaking tale - who wouldn't want to be a part of something like that?

How are you similar to Fabrizio?

One of the most exciting aspects of Fabrizio to explore is his playfulness. As Tim I try dearly to hold onto my "inner child" and finding the elements of play with Devon (Clara) has been a blast. So, we have that in common. Beyond that he's the youngest child, I'm the oldest. He's 20, I'm 27. He's Italian, I'm German.

What made you decide to become an actor, and how do you see your career leading up to this role?

I had this incredible babysitter growing up who was involved in children's theater in Syracuse, NY where I grew up. She'd tell me all about her experience in the theater, and it got me interested. My parents signed me up, and I fell in love. From there I've sort of followed the typical path, moving on to community theater, to starring in high school musicals, to getting into the musical theater program at Ithaca College (Go Bombers!), to where I am today in the world of regional theater as an equity actor.

What is one of your favorite rehearsal memories from this show?

The hat trick. For anyone who knows the show, one of the "iconic" moments happens in the first five minutes when a gust of wind pulls Clara's hat off her head into the air and Fabrizio happens to catch it. Fate. There had been some hiccups in making this moment look effortless, but man oh man, the first time it worked takes the prize for favorite rehearsal memory.

How has this role refined you in your craft?

The role is certainly vocally challenging. I was just telling someone the other day that my voice, as a result of working on this demanding music every day, feels as warm and at-the-ready as it did in college when I was singing everyday multiple hours a day. And let's not forget learning an entirely new language. I have little to no experience with the Italian language/dialect (besides the week-long trip through Italy I took during college). This role has refined my focus and dedication in tackling these new elements.

Which scene was the most challenging for you and why?

The first song Fabrizio has in the show, the aria "Il Mondo Era Vuoto", was especially challenging. Not only is it one of the most challenging pieces in musical theater vocally, it's also sung entirely in Italian, which we've established is not my forte. I realized maybe halfway through the rehearsal process that I understood what each phrase meant, but not what each word meant individually. I took my next day off to reinterpret and specify each word. 'Twas work well spent.

Which scene is your favorite to play?

My favorite scene would have to be my last scene/song, "Love to Me". At this point in the show Fabrizio and Clara have matured a bit. It's a delicate song and it allows Devon (Clara) and I to relish in the intricate moment played simply. And I can honestly say that I am moved to tears as Fabrizio seeing Clara in her wedding dress for the first time.

Clifton also said that New York is your home, so I would love to know what you think of Atlanta.

What surprised you about Atlanta?

I was ready for consistent spring/summer weather. Haha. I'm not sure M. Nature can make up her mind as to what season we're in. To be fair, though, as I answer this question I'm sitting outside and it's glorious.

How is Atlanta theatre different from New York theatre?

Well, really my only experience with the Atlanta theatre scene has been with Theatrical Outfit during this production, and I've got to say they've been superb. In addition to being incredibly accommodating and warm-hearted, they've been very organized, my personal favorite. A+ to them.

How did you hear about Theatrical Outfit, and what drew you to them?

It was my agent back in New York who sent me the audition notice. It felt like fate because I had just been in final callbacks for another production of Piazza, but started a different show and was out of town for the final callback, taking me out of the running. I made it very clear to my agent that I needed to play Fabrizio before I outgrew the role. The next audition he had for me was for this very production at Theatrical Outfit.

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Tim Quartier is relishing playing Fabrizio in the Theatrical Outfit's LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA. Other credits include: Marius in LES MISERABLES (Orlando Shakespeare Theater & Little Theatre on the Square), Link in HAIRSPRAY (New Theatre Restaurant & Merry-Go-Round Playhouse), and Tony in WEST SIDE STORY (Talent Company). Click here to learn more about Tim Quartier through his webpage.

Visit www.theatricaloutfit.org for more information on Theatrical Outfit.