SOUTH DEERFIELD — Take a trip to Italy this weekend by visiting Frontier Regional School, as the Theater Department adapts the classical romantic musical, “The Light in the Piazza.”

The musical, which differs from previous productions put on by the school as it features fewer ensemble songs and is bilingual, follows the story of Clara Johnson and her mother Margaret, as the former falls in love with Fabrizio Naccarelli, but an unsettling revelation nearly derails the blossoming relationship. “The Light in the Piazza” is based on a 1960 novella of the same name by Elizabeth Spencer, which has been adapted by Craig Lucas with music and lyrics composed by Adam Guettel in the early 2000s.

“I think it’s such an amazing type of music to sing and dance to,” said Sofia Hebert, a junior playing Clara. “It’s also fun for the audience to see this different type of musical, rather than like ‘Mean Girls’ or something. And don’t get me wrong, “Mean Girls’ is great.”

Director Gian DiDonna and Musical/Vocal Director Janet Ryan said the key difference separating “The Light in the Piazza” from other traditional musicals you’d see performed at a high school is the music style. Rather than flashy ensembles bringing in up to dozens of cast members, the songs are more personal and typically only feature one or two performers.

The biggest challenges aren’t the typical set design or choreography, either. In a twist to school theater productions, some of the songs are fully in Italian, with some songs dabbling in opera or other classical styles.

“It borders on the operatic. It’s a classical musical, so you’re not going to get your big show tune numbers. There’s a lot of arias,” DiDonna said. Arias are self-contained songs meant for a single singer. “There’s a few ensemble songs, but for the most part, it’s just very challenging singing. The kids have just been tremendous.”

Senior Leila Bosman is taking on the role of Margaret Johnson, the mother of Clara, who eventually has to come to terms with not controlling every aspect of her daughter’s life. Bosman, too, singled out the musical’s soundtrack as the major highlight for the audience.

“When I first listened to the soundtrack for the musical, I was blown away — it’s absolutely stunning. I was a little nervous because it’s pretty challenging, but we have so many really, really amazing singers in the cast,” Bosman said. “I think it’s going to be really strong in that aspect. I really love the kind of romantic aspect of it. It’s not like what you would usually get in musical theater.”

Junior McCavery Burgess, who is taking on the role of Fabrizio, said the musical has been a challenge, but he and his castmates have put in a lot of effort to meet the challenge.

“I’d say we have insanely talented singers with us … and the acting is just [great. The audience is] going to see so many different characters portrayed by such great actors, especially for a high school setting,” Burgess said, adding that the experience putting this show together has been wonderful. “It’s honestly been a blast. It’s been stressful, obviously, but it’s a good stress.”

The show will be held on at Frontier Regional School on Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, at 7 p.m., and will close out with a matinee on Sunday, March 16, at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 for adults and $7 for students or seniors.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.