The Bridges of Madison County
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Cititour.com Review
Chances are you’ve formed an opinion of The Bridges of Madison County, whether you’re familiar with Robert James Waller’s story in one or more of its forms (novella, feature film and now Broadway musical) or have just been exposed to what others have had to say about it. The 1960s-set story of an Iowa wife and mother whose quiet life is disrupted by a photographer tends to either kindle hearts or upset stomachs. Bridges’ current incarnation, a lush, emotion-filled Broadway musical from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Marsha Norman and Tony-lauded composer-lyricist Jason Robert Brown, could only be derided by those unable to check their 21st-century cynicism at the door.
As staged by Bartlett Sher, Bridges has the sweeping romanticism of two of the director’s previous musical projects, The Light in the Piazza and Lincoln Center’s Tony-winning revival of South Pacific, both about seemingly mismatched individuals whose hearts bring them together. While not as rich and stunning as either of those works, it’s still an evocative and satisfying new musical that tugs at the heartstrings.
And, as with Piazza and South Pacific, Sher’s leading lady is Kelli O’Hara, who brings beautiful tenderness to Francesca, an Italian woman who feels disconnected from her farmer husband, Bud (Hunter Foster), whom she met when he was in the service during World War II. When Bud takes their two children away to the Indiana State Fair for a few days, up the driveway and into Francesca’s life comes hunky National Geographic photog Robert (Steven Pasquale) to ask directions to a covered bridge he’s been assigned to snap.
Francesca, who misses her home country, connects with the divorced loner, who was recently in Italy, in a way she doesn’t with her family. As their coming together and breaking apart over the course of four days changes them in subtle but significant ways, O’Hara and Pasquale breathe real humanity into these shy, lonely, compassionate characters, and their beautiful voices really soar.
At a time when Broadway musicals often try harder to wow than to move, Norman and Brown keep the focus squarely on Francesca and Robert and their struggles. The mood is enhanced by the work of designers Michael Yeargan (scenic) and Catherine Zuber (costume), who re-create 1960s Americana with precision, and lighting designer Donald Holder, who makes the horizon come alive in vibrant reds and blues.
Bridges does have its share of draggy moments (do they really need to sing another love ballad?), but just like its characters, it also has a good heart that pulls it through.
By Diane Snyder
Visit the Site
http://bridgesofmadisoncountymusical.com
Cast
Kelli O'Hara, Steven Pasquale, Hunter Foster, Michael X. Martin, Cass Morgan, Derek Klena, Caitlin Kinnunen, Whitney Bashor, Ephie Aardema, Jennifer Allen, Charlie Franklin, Kevin Kern, Katie Klaus, Luke Marinkovich, Aaron Ramey, Dan Sharkey, Jessica Vosk, Tim Wright
Open/Close Dates
Opening 2/20/2014
Closing 5/18/2014
Preview Open/ Preview Close Dates
Preview Opening 1/17/2014
Closing Open-ended
Box Office
212-239-6200
Theatre Info
Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
236 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036
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