Strong voices give ‘Bridges of Madison County’ a boost
The musical “The Bridges of Madison County” shows that the strength of Theater West End’s debut production, “The Color Purple,” was no fluke.
The new Sanford theater’s artistic director, Derek Critzer, once again demonstrates an eye for stellar casting, straightforward direction, a commitment to live musicians and smart set design. Where “Bridges” falls short is the fault of the show itself, not the local production team.
A lot of people fell in love with Robert James Waller’s romance between Francesca, an Italian war bride whose life has left her unfulfilled, and Robert, a dashing photographer who steps into her Iowa kitchen and sweeps her off her feet. Waller’s best-seller became an equally popular movie and a stage musical in 2014.
The public wasn’t as enamored with the theatrical telling of the tale, and the Broadway production closed after a few months. The problem lies in Marsha Norman’s adaptation, which leaves out so much that it’s maddening. Once the affair happens, the story flashes forward so far that we never get to see how Francesca lives with the choices she makes.
If I sound a little harsh, it might be because there’s another musical about a woman feeling isolated whose outlook is changed by a chance meeting with a stranger — it’s called “The Band’s Visit,” and it’s so much better than this.
For one, if you’re going to ask an audience to root for adulterers, there needs to be a compelling reason. And at the start of “Bridges,” there isn’t one. It’s unclear why Francesca is unhappy — her husband, Bud, seems attentive and kind. Also unclear: Why of all the women in the world, would Robert instantly fall for a random Midwest farmer’s wife.
Maybe it’s because of Janine Klein’s voice, which anyone would love. As Francesca, Klein expertly moves between a classical soprano sound and a more fiery belt suitable to a woman being reborn.
Klein is matched vocally by Robb Ross, who as Robert delivers a beautiful emotional richness in his songs, especially climactic number “It All Fades Away.” The cast is uniformly strong: Michael Colavolpe makes you pity Bud. Sara Jones is a hoot as nosy neighbor Marge. Michael Thibodeau and Tricia Jane Wiles play teenagers without condescension.
The band, with its violins, bass and variety of percussion, sounds great, if a little loud in places. Critzer’s impresses with his ability to make numerous scene changes seamlessly. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this very promising playhouse.