Musical Monday: The Bridges of Madison County

(Originally posted on Minnesota Theater Love)

Jason Robert Brown is a favorite composer of mine. I was first introduced to his music in a round about way and via a mutual friend. Soon I became obsessed with Songs for a New World, and have looked forward to everything new he does since. Including his version of The Bridges of Madison County.

The story of Robert Kincaid, a photographer, and Francesca Johnson, a farm wife born in Italy and living in Iowa, was originally a book by Robert James Waller published in April of 1992. In 1995 it became a film directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. I never read the book, nor did I have any interest in watching the movie. Then Jason Robert Brown decided to turn it into a musical with a book by Marsha Norman, and directed by Bartlett Sher. It starred the incredible Kelli O'Hara as Francesca, and Steven Pasquale as Robert. Needless to say I was a bit hesitant about the musical and not sure how it would translate. I downloaded the cast recording as soon as it was available on I-tunes, and I believe I listened to it at work the next day.

Here is what I can tell you. With out knowing the story at all, I was able to understand exactly what was going on just by listening to the cast recording. I could figure out the time line, the relationships, and of course - the emotion. A musical which provides that much information in the score alone is a rare thing. I still remember moments where tears filled my eyes at work. NOT because I knew it was a sad portion of the story line, but because musically it was so gorgeous, and had some truly surprising moments.

The cast - well, you really can't go wrong with Kelli O'Hara (here singing a song from Act Two) And this was my true introduction to Steven Pasquale (one of his solos). I had heard him sing "Streets of Dublin" from the musical A Man of No Importance, but that show didn't really stick with me and so I didn't remember his voice. This recording, on the other hand, still haunts me and I have listened to it numerous times. The songs are filled with story, character and emotion. With the exception of one line that I have an issue with, every lyric is perfectly placed and worded.

There are so many videos on youtube for Bridges of Madison County Musical but I'm going to leave you with this one. This is from the Sitzprobe - the first time the cast sings with the full orchestra, the first time both sides get to hear the full work. It is a really exciting moment for casts, and this video clearly shows that this is not an exception. Plus, Steven Pasquale wearing a knit cap and an eternity scarf? C'mon...could he be more attractive? and that voice? and the way it mixes with Kelli O'Hara's? sheer joy and perfection.

take my word - get this recording. You will not be disappointed.