The bella Emma / Franca / Olive

Gosh, we loved Emma Boroson so much in "Spelling Bee," when she won our hearts (and the magic foot's) as Olive. She brought sweetness and intelligence (and a wonderful voice) to that funny and engaging play.

Now she's bringing verve and sex appeal (and that wonderful voice) to the role of Franca Naccarelli in "The Light In The Piazza." and we couldn't be happier. It shows a whole different side of her -- and the shoes are much more chic and pointy.

Emma, who lives right in Arlington, is also a talented music director, and her credits include "Avenue Q" with the The Playmakers and "The Last Five Years" with Tortoise and Finch Productions.

Favorite past roles include Olive Ostrovsky in "The 25th Annual...Spelling Bee" at AFD, Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" with The Wellesley Players, Edwin Drood in "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" and Johanna in "Sweeney Todd" at Beatrice Herford's Vokes Theatre, Amy in "Company" at The Footlight Club, and Cinderella in "Into the Woods" at Turtle Lane Playhouse.