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The Bridges of Madison County on Broadway: A Melancholy Masterpiece
The Broadway adaptation of “The Bridges of Madison County” brought a poignant tale of love and longing to the stage. The musical, based on Robert James Waller’s bestselling novel, captivated audiences with its evocative score and heartfelt performances, although its run was relatively short-lived.
While the novel sold millions, the Broadway production faced challenges in translating its intimate story to a larger theatrical setting. Despite its critical acclaim, it did not achieve the commercial success of other Broadway hits.
From Novel to Stage: The Journey of “Bridges”
“The Bridges of Madison County” tells the story of Francesca Johnson, an Italian war bride living a quiet life on an Iowa farm. Her life is unexpectedly changed when she meets Robert Kincaid, a National Geographic photographer passing through to photograph the covered bridges of Madison County. Their brief, passionate affair forces Francesca to make a life-altering decision between her family and a newfound love.
The musical adaptation retained the core narrative of the novel but added depth and nuance through its score. Jason Robert Brown’s music and lyrics beautifully captured the emotional complexities of the characters and the rural landscapes of Iowa. A summary of the original novel and its plot details can be found on Wikipedia: The Bridges of Madison County.
The Broadway Run: Success and Shortcomings
The Broadway production of “The Bridges of Madison County” opened at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in February 2014. Starring Kelli O’Hara as Francesca and Steven Pasquale as Robert, the show received overwhelmingly positive reviews, particularly for the performances of its leads and the quality of the music. However, the show struggled to find a large audience and closed after just over 100 performances. Despite its short run, it won two Tony Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Leading Actress in a Musical for Kelli O’Hara.
The Music: A Defining Element
Jason Robert Brown’s score is widely considered the highlight of the musical. The songs are both beautiful and dramatically effective, conveying the characters’ inner turmoil and the emotional weight of their choices. Numbers like “Falling Into You,” “One Second and a Million Miles,” and “It All Fades Away” are standouts that showcase the musical’s emotional depth.
Legacy and Impact
Although the Broadway production was not a long-running success, “The Bridges of Madison County” musical has continued to be performed in regional theaters and concert halls. Its beautiful score and compelling story have ensured its enduring appeal. The musical is a testament to the power of intimate storytelling and the transformative potential of love, even amidst the ordinary circumstances of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “The Bridges of Madison County” about?
It is a love story about an Italian war bride in Iowa who has an affair with a National Geographic photographer.
Who starred in the Broadway production?
Kelli O’Hara played Francesca Johnson, and Steven Pasquale played Robert Kincaid.
Did the musical win any Tony Awards?
Yes, it won two Tony Awards: Best Original Score and Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Kelli O’Hara).
Why did the Broadway show close so soon?
Despite critical acclaim, the show struggled to attract a large audience, leading to its closure after a relatively short run.
Is the musical based on a book?
Yes, it is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Robert James Waller.
Summary
“The Bridges of Madison County” on Broadway offered a moving portrayal of love and sacrifice, featuring a captivating score and stellar performances. While its run was brief, the musical left a lasting impression with its emotional depth and continues to resonate with audiences through regional productions and concert performances.
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