THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY to Close May 18- Page 8

[PianoMann]

Posted: 5/10/14 at 12:49pm

I think that moment was probably the most overt manifestation of her internal conflict, but it was poorly executed in the sense that I never doubted for a moment what her decision would be. I think it's important to note that I have never read the book or seen the film, although I am familiar with the overall concept. For an audience member that didn't know what would happen in advance, I found the moment completely lacking...

[ljay889]

Posted: 5/10/14 at 1:06pm

Sure, we knew what she would pick. But I found O'Hara's acting so convincing that it could have gone either way.

[PianoMann]

Posted: 5/10/14 at 1:18pm

I'm certainly not criticizing O'Hara, who was sublime throughout, but it seemed to me that the actors had to work far too hard in order to draw out these fleeting moments of conflict. I'm not advocating for overwrought chewing of the scenery, but I think the book would have been elevated by a nuanced incorporation of more conflict. This one short scene simply did not satisfy my own personal desire for tension that was lacking throughout the show.

[jasonf]

Posted: 5/10/14 at 1:40pm

I think that's a good point. That's why One Second and a Million Miles is such a powerful song - there actually IS a hint at some conflict there. I said to my wife on the way home that I liked that there was no way Robert could be looked at as a predator at all or forcing Francesca into the relationship or anything, but the inherent problem then becomes that their romance is TOO perfect. Robert is TOO perfect. I didn't know the book or movie either, and I also knew without a moment's doubt that that moment where she runs to him was just a fantasy.

I don't know if the story COULD be fixed. I think that's what's so frustrating about the show - the music is so great and the performances are so great, but the story just doesn't work for a lot of people. I'm not saying that it might not have a great impact on some people - I certainly can see how it could despite other flaws - but I think for most people there's a feeling that something isn't right with story.

Maybe the show would work more if the characters were older. I keep going back to that idea and thinking it would make more sense that way. O'Hara is too young still to appear so stuck in a marriage that wasn't right for her. If this love was that intense for those four days, I think I would have believed her running away with him more than her staying. If she was older, though, the choice to stay would have been more believable.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/10/14 at 2:00pm

***Possible spoilers****

"stuff was happening behind it that no one on my side of the theater in at least the first seven or eight rows could see."

I sat in the left side of the orchestra, where you are describing, and I saw fine. You probably shouldn't speak for 8 rows of people.

"My wife claims it's because I'm male, but I just didn't buy that a four day romance would have effects on this guy who's made a life of running around the world basically at will. The end felt so fake to me."

Perhaps because you're male, or straight, or cynical, or whatever. I went with a gay guy and a straight guy, while the gay guy was weeping, the straight guy remained utterly unconvinced. Interesting. Sometimes people never leave your head, and they are with you forever. The end in which he dies of cancer? That isn't fake or something that rarely happens.

"Robert, going back out into the world, simply never found ANY other loves"

We don't know that information, you shouldn't have assumed that. Perhaps he does find other women, and has a lot of relationships. The point is, his time with this particular woman meant the most. I don't get the whole judging of characters in a musical.

[jasonf]

Posted: 5/10/14 at 2:21pm

I think from the left side of the orchestra it was fine - I was on the right side. Sorry if I didn't say that before.

Him dying of cancer wasn't what I thought was false. I was fine with her reaction - it was his before he dies that I didn't buy.

You're right, we don't know for sure if he found anyone else. Again, my feeling was had it ended with him reflecting on his life and this wonderful memory of the affair, I'd be fine with that. It was the idea that nothing else mattered in comparison that I simply didn't buy. I've never had a four day affair with someone. Maybe I'd feel differently if I did, but from what I know of people, I've never come across someone in real life or in literature (re: books, movies, shows) where a memory of one brief affair stands out as the single most important and memorable event in someone's life. Especially for someone who had SUCH a full life on top of that. I could see it as a strong, memorable few days, sure, but not to the point that nothing else mattered in his entire life. I'm sorry, I just don't buy that.

[Steve721]

Posted: 5/10/14 at 3:22pm

"It was the idea that nothing else mattered in comparison that I simply didn't buy."

I think some poetic license is allowed in love songs. Also, it's certainly possible for two people to have an intense, physical attraction and, in later years, to look back on that as being a very significant moment in their life. Although neither of us was cheating, I had a very brief, intense relationship with another guy, which sadly did not work out. Even though it happened more than 20 years ago, it's something I will never, ever forget, and I think that's what Robert is really saying in "It All Fades Away".

I never doubted that Francesca would stay with her family--I don't think she could have lived with herself (or Robert) if she'd abandoned her children. However, that they could both, for a time, dream of running off together was entirely convincing. But once her family returned, Francesca snapped back to reality and made the decision that I think was inevitable.

[binau]

Posted: 5/10/14 at 5:28pm

Re: conflict, I personally thought there was enough tension, particularly during the first act to keep me interested (i.e., it felt like Francesca was screaming inside to do something with Robert but didn't know how to proceed/what to do - which is what made the Act One closing when they finally got together so satisfying for me). And also when her husband returned and you could just feel how unhappy she was. I don't need to see a scene from August: Osage County to keep me happy.

I also personally buy that this guy can fall madly in love with her forever. Maybe it's because I'm younger than him still, but I don't personally consider him young and it is suggested he has been around and not found what he is looking for so I'm completely open to the idea that he continues not to find it again in future.

However, if there is something I don't buy I personally don't see why Francesca would stay with her family. I guess this is almost the whole point of the story, and it probably makes more sense in the context of the time of the story etc. But if this were 2014 I don't believe it would happen like that. I like and believe the story because I believe I have kind of seen it in reality, but it had a happier ending for that couple than BRIDGES :P. I can't remove my own biases to believe it. Same thing with Passion and own biases - I just don't believe that apparently good looking guy could fall in love with Fosca over Clara. I just don't buy it for a second (Bridges is more believable to me though).

"Always Better" almost makes up it believable for me, though.

Regardless, this is my favourite score in a very very long time. I can't stop listening to the cast recording.

Updated On: 5/10/14 at 05:28 PM

[Steve721]

Posted: 5/10/14 at 6:25pm

"However, if there is something I don't buy I personally don't see why Francesca would stay with her family. I guess this is almost the whole point of the story, and it probably makes more sense in the context of the time of the story etc. But if this were 2014 I don't believe it would happen like that."

Even today, I think most people in Francesca's place would think long and hard about abandoning two teenage children to run off with someone she'd just met four days ago, particularly when her husband didn't mistreat her or the kids. What sort of life would she really have had with Robert? Would she just follow him around while he went places taking pictures? I think the idea of them leaving together was sort of a pipe dream that burst as soon as Francesca's family brought her back to reality. (Of course, if this had been set in 2014, there's no way Francesca would have married Bud and ended up on a farm in Iowa.)

Updated On: 5/10/14 at 06:25 PM

[Aryn007]

Posted: 5/11/14 at 9:46am

I saw Bridges last night and I really, really wanted to love it. I had never been exposed to any other incarnation of the story and with confidence I say its failure has everything to do with that embarrassing book. However, I do feel like some things could have been fixed/altered for a more successful run. Here are a few if my notes.

1. Fire that advertising agency and hire someone who doesn't suck so hard.

2. Move "You're Never Alone" to the top of the show. Before that number, I honestly thought Francesca's life was pretty much ok. I mean, her husband didn't suck, her kids were healthy, they weren't poor, they didn't have a dying relative, they were all law abiding citizens, and no one was on drugs. Nothing about the initial introduction of her life indicated to me that it was so unsatisfying that an affair was just around the corner. If we opened up with her feeling disconnected in a town full of connected people, every man and woman in America is going to relate on some level. Plus there could be a reprise later...? You just can't start off with 'vaguely unsatisfied.'

3. More Italian? Sorry, I thought Francesca was straight up Irish for a bit and it messed with my brain. Also, every Italian I have known does not ASK if you want to eat--you are straight up told to eat and you will probably end up eating more than you thought you ever would. Yes, it is a silly thing to even mention, but she is an immigrant cut off from her community and it would have been nice to actually see/observe some culture differences besides an accent and apparent love of well-made coffee. It also would have made us feel even more anxious for her when she forgets to make dinner at the end.

3. IF we are going to believe that Robert is THAT perfect (except that he doesn't have a dog), then the show had better be 100% from Francesca's perspective. Then, at least, it becomes more about her and her fantasy/passion/needs. That, or give the man a human flaw that we can observe.

4. Let me ****ing clap for Marge's radio number. It was my favorite part of the whole show. It was a little sexy, and a little funny, and it switched my brain back into the 'on' position. Our main characters are falling into each other and the neighbor is the heart of the radio which sings all the silly love words people in love want to sing.

5. Let there be an explosive song instead of an awkward fake-out hug (30 second dream ballet?) thing. It's pretty much the most important decision Francesca makes in the show. Can there be one moment where the emotions get so tense that someone wants to cry or kill somebody or destroy an old life? I am continually annoyed at how many super-calm songs there are. Like...here's another song I will literally sing (beautifully) with my hands in my pockets.

6. Clean up whatever as going on between the siblings and dad. I had no idea what was going on with that mess most of the time.

The music is beautiful and you can be sure I will be buying the cast recording. I just wish there had been more to it than the initial surface level.

[jasonf]

Posted: 5/11/14 at 10:07am

Good points, Aryn. I think you're 100% right about both Robert being too perfect and the idea that it was hard to see why Francesca was so unhappy in the first place. A vague discontentment, maybe, but certainly not enough to push her to an affair and consider running away with him. Even the little bit of violence they show of Bud pushing Michael, in 1965, was NOTHING. No one would think twice about that as being wrong. The only other "negative" difference they really showed was Bud likes meat and Robert is a vegetarian. Okay, again, not THAT big a deal, especially to an Italian woman who clearly loves her meat as well (and yes, make all the puns you want, I know what I said).

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 5/11/14 at 4:13pm

I saw this on Friday, and I agree with most of what Aryn posted. Even on the cast recording, Kelly sounds like she has an Irish accent. That being said, I thought Kelly's and Steven's performances were excellent. Kelly was both captivating in her singing and acting. I thought the two had great chemistry together. Kelly's angst upon the family returning home was quite compelling. Having the final moments of the show focus on the family (of which we don't really care one iota about), lessened the impact the ending of the show should have had.

I had an issue with two of the ensemble members who were moving part of the set. One kept making jeering expressions and the other was so particular and deliberate about the way he moved, that it actually pulled focus. He annoyed the hell out of me (not going to name names). Not sure if this was a directorial choice or that of the actor's.

Other than Francesca and Robert, the only character I liked was Marge. When Marge's husband sang at the end, my initial reaction was, "why is he singing?!"

I'm glad I saw it, but the book to this show really needed work. The score was beautiful and I liked the simplicity of the set.

Updated On: 5/11/14 at 04:13 PM

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/11/14 at 4:33pm

"Fire that advertising agency and hire someone who doesn't suck so hard."

They clearly fixed this issue throughout the run with new commercials and playbills. It was just too little too late at that point.

"Move "You're Never Alone" to the top of the show."

That makes no sense, and fits into the story at the exactly the right time. Think about what was going on, on stage, during that song.

"IF we are going to believe that Robert is THAT perfect (except that he doesn't have a dog), then the show had better be 100% from Francesca's perspective."

Did you not hear the song sung by his ex wife? He was clearly emotionally unavailable and absent a lot during their relationship. That isn't a perfect man, and having a DOG doesn't make you perfect in any universe.

"Also, every Italian I have known does not ASK if you want to eat"

That's odd, because all of the Italians I was around when I lived in Italy for 2 years always asked. Force feeding isn't typically a thing. I have no idea why that be distracting.

"Let there be an explosive song instead of an awkward fake-out hug (30 second dream ballet?) thing."

What scene are you even talking about? There is no awkwardness with the two leads, ever.

"Clean up whatever as going on between the siblings and dad."

Just typical teenage angst and a Dad. Nothing to see there.

[ljay889]

Posted: 5/11/14 at 10:38pm

Saw the show for the second time today. Our tdf seats were in the second to last row of the mezz. While these were perfectly good seats, I feel that it really benefits seeing an intimate show like this from the orchestra. And it was so damn warm in the mezz.

My mom really enjoyed show but my dad found it a little "slow and predictable." This seems to be a common theme with straight couples and this show.

My appreciation for the score has grown even more. I haven't been this passion about a new score since "Women on the Verge." I wouldn't absolutely love to see Brown win the Tony. I really hope to be at the final performance, but ticket selection is scarce at the moment.

Updated On: 5/11/14 at 10:38 PM

[Kad]

Posted: 5/11/14 at 10:46pm

"Did you not hear the song sung by his ex wife? He was clearly emotionally unavailable and absent a lot during their relationship."

Yeah... we only HEAR about it. From a character that could be swapped out for an iPod with really good speakers.

The Robert that both the audience and Francesca see is someone passionate and devoted.

[haterobics]

Posted: 5/11/14 at 10:57pm

I'm not sure how much we need to triage a show that closes in 7 days...

I just watched the movie tonight for the first time, and enjoyed it immensely. It reinforced how little else was needed but the two main characters. She would take a call from her husband checking in, we didn't hear what he said, and she hung up. Based on her body language/facial expressions, etc., we knew everything we needed to.

[MCfan2]

Posted: 5/11/14 at 11:15pm

Regarding Italians, I have to side with Aryn007. I'm Italian myself. I have a huge Italian extended family. And believe me, they do not ASK you to eat. You eat or else.

(But maybe that's more an Italian-American thing? I've never lived in Italy as Sutton has.)

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/11/14 at 11:16pm

"The Robert that both the audience and Francesca see is someone passionate and devoted."


If you listen to the song, you realize that he is flawed. He isn't Mr. Perfect, and that is what the song teaches the audience. That's why that song exists, if it wasn't important to the story, it would have been cut.

[binau]

Posted: 5/12/14 at 6:46am

Given the positive word of mouth for this score, I do wonder why they don't try to expedite the release of cast recordings to increase word of mouth of shows. If this recording was released widely two months ago could it have helped ticket sales? (maybe not enough to save it though).

Similarly, IF/THEN sales look like they are going to slow down in a few weeks. Getting the cast recording out there, having people talk about the show and listening to the songs can only help, particularly when Idina Menzel is the star. The aim should be to have all the fangirls replacing "Defying Gravity" and "Let it Go" with "Learn to Live Without" ASAP.

[newintown]

Posted: 5/12/14 at 8:16am

"I do wonder why they don't try to expedite the release of cast recordings to increase word of mouth of shows."

Don't the people who buy cast recordings already have some interest in the show? I doubt that there are significant numbers out there, browsing iTunes, saying, "Oh, a musical of The Bridges of Madison County... let's spend $15 to see what that sounds like."

Updated On: 5/12/14 at 08:16 AM

[Kad]

Posted: 5/12/14 at 8:24am

"If you listen to the song, you realize that he is flawed. He isn't Mr. Perfect, and that is what the song teaches the audience. That's why that song exists, if it wasn't important to the story, it would have been cut. "

You completely sidestep my point: SHOW through consistent character behavior, not TELL in one song.

And, actually, according to the notes in the Playbill:
"[Another Life] brings out both the idea of another life and the beginning of another life between Robert and Francesca."
"Also, "Another Life" states in a very oblique way one of the big themes of the show: that there is always, at any moment, the big question we have about, "What if I were living that other life?"

That's why it's there, and also because it's a very good song.

But it's also a dramatically inert song and if that is the only instance in the entire musical in which we learn of Robert's flaws, that is not good storytelling.

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 5/12/14 at 11:20am

*SPOILERS THROUGHOUT*

Especially for someone who had SUCH a full life on top of that. I could see it as a strong, memorable few days, sure, but not to the point that nothing else mattered in his entire life. I'm sorry, I just don't buy that.

I think that because he had such a full life is even more reason that this 4 days of connection with a woman is that the thing that sticks with him. If he is constantly seeing amazing sights, I could see how they could all blur together, not seem so amazing anymore. He was also, likely, traveling alone and experiencing those things by himself, unable to share them with anyone. So, the moments of human connection, for him, may be the things that stick out. He had a bountiful amount of amazing journeys, but likely never experienced the same feelings he did with Francesca (yes, I’m sure he experienced some forms of love after that, but not the depth he felt with Francesca).

However, if there is something I don't buy I personally don't see why Francesca would stay with her family. I guess this is almost the whole point of the story, and it probably makes more sense in the context of the time of the story etc.

I also always looked at it that she wouldn’t just be leaving her husband, but she likely wouldn’t see her kids again, either. She’s not just getting a divorce, she’s running out on her whole family, making plans to leave and travel around the world with another man. I got the idea that she didn’t feel she would be able to ever come back and have a relationship with her children. I think she also realized she was the glue holding everyone together – who knows how the family (namely, the son and father) could have turned on each other if she wasn’t there to be the steady center point that balances out the tensions between everyone. I think she felt a duty and a responsibility she couldn’t walk out on.

You just can't start off with 'vaguely unsatisfied.'

For me, this worked, because I think, at the beginning, Francesca doesn’t know how unsatisfied she is in her life (or doesn’t really let herself think about it and is trying to convince herself otherwise) until someone comes and shows her a love she could have and a totally different life she could lead that she never really thought was possible. I felt like I saw that realization and change in her throughout the first act, which was really satisfying to watch, for me.

I get what people are saying about not seeing Robert’s flaws. It’s not something that hindered my experience with the show, but it’s interesting to think about ways in which it could have been incorporated and how that may have changed the path toward Francesca and Robert finally getting together or, perhaps, have influenced Francesca’s final decision (Could part of her staying with the family have been a shadow of doubt in Robert? Maybe, as their relationship matured and developed past the “honeymoon stage”, he would become more closed off and focused on his photography in the same way he acted in his first marriage, shutting her out? Would it better to keep these 4 wonderful days untainted? Does she think there is a possibility their relationship will end and then she is completely on her own?). I haven’t read the book or seen the movie – do either show more distinct character flaws on Robert’s part?

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/12/14 at 12:15pm

Kad, I happen to think it's great storytelling, so I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree here.

[Kad]

Posted: 5/12/14 at 12:41pm

If you think that a character we never see before or again coming out - that we know nothing about other than she is his ex-wife- and singing about a character's trait that we never see in the rest of show is good storytelling, well...

The song could be about how he's greedy, or abusive, or a werewolf. But that doesn't matter if we never SEE him be greedy, abusive, or a werewolf. Why would it? It's a third-party we know nothing about.

None of Robert's actions in the course of the story indicate he is not emotionally available to Francesca.

[newintown]

Posted: 5/12/14 at 12:45pm

I think that with this show more than many others, trying to discuss it analytically might be disheartening.

It seems to me that the more vocal fans are responding to Bridges emotionally, not intellectually.