Review: THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY Pops The Question-Just How Romantic Are You?

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is an artistically pleasing, emotionally fraught production that asks you to believe in true love and soul mates. The show is something of a litmus test and begs the question, "How romantic are you?" Do you believe in true love, love at first sight, or soul mates? The musical has landed at Theatre Under The Stars just as Valentines Day is coming up over the horizon, and after watching the production it has occurred to me that I might not be the most romantic person in the world.

When the lights come up and Francesca sings her aria about Iowa, my thoughts are, "Oh, no, I'm not going to like this. I can't understand what she is saying because of the Italian accent, and her placid face isn't giving me many clues either. She looks tired and bored..."

But maybe she's supposed to look tired and bored.

At any rate, my misgivings quickly shifted like the shadows of the trees when the sun creeps low on an Iowa cornfield. Marsha Norman's book is rich and engaging and each scene pulls us further in to this musical inspired by the popular novel by Robert James Waller.

In fact, Francesca is a bored, unfulfilled housewife, an Italian war bride who has settled down with a family in the middle of an Iowa farming community. It's been years since she's known romance. Yes, she's married, but her husband Bud isn't exactly oozing tenderness or allure. Bud and their two kids leave for a four-day venture to a state fair and Frannie looks forward to some time alone; no picking up after the kids or catering to her husband's every need. Four whole days to laze about, "drinking lots of iced tea" and maybe reading some seed catalogues.

Enter Robert, a strapping, sexy, sensitive heartthrob with a voice that wraps itself around you like liquid mahogany. He's a photographer, on assignment to photograph bridges. He turns up at Frannie's farmhouse to get directions to a particular bridge and we're off and running.

No more bored housewife.

The story inspired a successful 1995 film version starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood. The concept works on the stage, for the most part. If the improbable romance didn't bother you in the book or the movie, it probably won't bother you here. What may bother you are some of the cheesy, sappy lyrics that turn up in a couple of songs. I kept thinking, "You've known each other just a few days. Simmer down!" These are two fully-grown adults, not love-struck teens, and sometimes the romance gets a little schmaltzy.

The two leads are not always convincing as a couple. Andrew Samonsky is completely committed, giving it everything he's got, but Elizabeth Stanley is less ardent. There are moments when I wonder if she's really that into him. Her character is much more reticent, that's understood, but I would have liked to have seen more sizzle on her part, especially leading up to the, a-hem, communion.

The fact that they do begin a sexual affair is a given; we know that's in the storyline. What creates suspense is the nature of the fall out. Robert is all in; he wants Frannie to run away with him. Will Frannie leave Bud? Will he find out before she even has a chance to tell him? They're on a time crunch and I found myself leaning forward during the scene when Frannie is wrestling with her decision while the clock ticks on and her husband whines about dinner as her kids run around squabbling. The scenes surrounding this section of the story are very, very compelling and my heart hurts for Frannie, which is saying something. When characters cheat I tend to think, "Okay, well you cheated and now you have to deal with the consequences." But Stanley's performance elicits empathy and understanding, even forgiveness.

The cast is generally excellent. Stanley instills a quiet desperation in her Francesca, and while I would've liked to have seen more expression in both her voice and face, the excellence of her singing is undeniable. Andrew Samonsky is a star waiting to happen. His voice was made for the theater and he is delicious as Robert. Caitlin Houlahan is adorable and funny as Frannie's daughter, adding pluck to the family dynamic. Mary Callanan and David Hess create an enjoyable "couple next door" tableu, debating the events of what may be happening at Frannie's house. Katie Klaus is an appealing presence with a great voice, playing triple duty as Robert's ex, a singer at the county fair, and Francesca's sister Chiara. Playing the hapless husband, Bud, Cullen T. Titmus slips into his role as an Iowa farmer with gritty ease.

Musically, the show is hit and miss. Many of Jason Robert Brown's songs don't stick in your head; what you remember is the way you felt when they were being sung. Some exceptions are "Falling Into You" which is haunting and beautiful, though some of the lyrics veer into the gag-inducing. "The World Inside A Frame" is soulful and moving and it adds richness to the character of Robert. "You're Never Alone" is a nice full-cast number with strong harmonies and narrative. "Get Closer", sung by Marge in curlers and a nightgown, is a funny throwback to the 60's swoony ballad du jour. "Wondering" is a great tune with a gentle push to the storyline. "When I'm Gone" is a gospel-infused cast number with solos by Bud and Charlie. The song is arresting and hearty, and paints a picture of time passing and inevitable loss.

Bartlett Sher is a master of staging and blocking. The cast weaves in and out of scenes, with sets changing before our eyes and characters shifting in and out of frames. It all serves to deepen the impact of the characters on one another; no one is ever really gone and we carry so many people with us no matter where we are.

Donald Holder's lighting design plays a starring role in BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, casting nuanced sunsets, sunrises, and everything in between upon the backdrop of the Iowa farmland. Stars twinkle in a vast sky, and you can almost smell the cut grass and country breeze.

This production is worth your time. Leaving the theater, I overheard many patrons debating and discussing the show's themes, everything from moral codes to heartbreak, to true love or true lust. If it doesn't pull your heartstrings it will definitely make you think.

BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY runs at The Hobby Center from January 19-31.

For tickets: https://www.tuts.com/shows/bridges-madison-county

Photo Credits: Matthew Murphy