First International Production of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY to Premiere in Manila, 11/20

By Jared Echevarria

Manila, Philippines--Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) is set to bring the book-to-stage adaptation of Robert James Waller's THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY to Manila, which premieres this Friday, November 20, at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati City.

Directed by Bobby Garcia ("Saturday Night Fever," "The Addams Family"), THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, stars Joanna Ampil ("Miss Saigon," "Les Miserables") and MiG Ayesa ("Rock of Ages," "We Will Rock You") in the lead roles of Francesca Johnson, an Italian war bride who lives in Iowa, and Robert Kincaid, National Geographic magazine photographer, respectively. This particular production of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is its first international production following the show's Broadway debut at Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in 2014.

Based on Waller's 1992 novel of the same name, the musical is written for the stage by Marsha Norman ("The Color Purple," "The Secret Garden"), featuring music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown ("The Last Five Years," "Parade"). Brown won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations for his work on THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY.

Originally, the musical was set to premiere in Manila last March but was moved to November to give time for the composer to apply some changes in the score.

The musical follows the story of Iowa housewife Francesca Johnson (Ampil) and her life-changing, four-day romance with travelling photographer Robert Kincaid (Ayesa). As per a statement, "THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is an unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more."

According to Ayesa, working with his leading lady and the rest of the team is a joy and that this Philippine-made production is different and breathes new life to both the original novel and its previous film adaptation. He added that the novel itself is already romantic and through the musical, it adds more flavors on how the story is told through Brown's music.

Ampil, likewise, said that this is perhaps one of her most moving characters to date. She noted that it has been emotionally draining and there have been a lot of breakdowns to get the exact feelings of the songs. She also told the press at a recent press conference that director Garcia is in constant communication with the show's composer to get the latter's suggestions and opinions.

The first international production of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY will play Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza in Makati City from this Friday, November 20, through Sunday, December 6.

Tickets are available at TicketWorld: Call (632) 891-9999 or visit ticketworld.com.ph.