BWW Reviews: THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY at Starlight Theatre

Growing up with fairy tales we are used to a happy ending. In the movie, the guy always gets the girl. But THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY playing at Starlight Theatre changes all of those preconceived notions.

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is the story based on the novel by Robert James Waller and turned into a Broadway musical by Marsha Norman about an Italian born turned Iowa housewife and her four-day affair with a photographer from "National Geographic" and the question of responsibility versus passion.

Francesca (Elizabeth Stanley) is left alone at home while her husband, Bud, and two kids go off to the state fair in Indiana. When Robert (Andrew Samonsky), a photographer from "National Geographic" in Iowa to take pictures of the famous covered bridges, shows up at Francesca's house to ask for direction an attraction starts and blooms into a hurried love affair.

The two's fling is so quick to happen and rushed that it is hard to feel the emotion or see any of the chemistry that Stanley and Samonsky are trying to convey to the audience. It also doesn't help that they were interrupted by scenes in which their neighbors Marge and Charlie (Mary Callanan and David Hess) discuss in great length what could be going on at "Franny's" house, and a scenes where Francesca's kids and husband are calling repeatedly to tattle on each other and complain. But even with the lack of empathy for the two the audience can't help but wonder what they would do if they had the chance to leave behind a place that's trapping them in even if it meant ruining the lives of their loved ones.

With great music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, the songs are mostly somber, aching love songs with a few fun or upbeat tunes ("Get Closer", "State Road 21/The Real World") mixed in. Stanley has a beautiful operatic soprano voice even though with her thick Italian accent it is hard to understand most of her lyrics. The best song of the night is David Hess and Cullen R. Titmas' (Bud) "When I'm Gone." Even though it seems a little out of place and doesn't have too much of a purpose other than to help show that the years are passing by, Hess and Titmas' bluesy voices put some energy into the falling action of the too long second act. The best vocals go to both Mary Callanan and Andrew Samonsky. Callanan's jazzy performance of "Get Closer" showed off her smooth vocals. Samonsky's "It All Fades Away" is one of the most emotional songs of the night and with his deep bravado it left many people in the audience "wowing" after the final note.

The scene design, originally by Michael Yeargan, is possibly one of the best I've seen in any production. The changing backdrop to reveal the night sky or the rolling hills of Iowa as the sun comes up really adds to the country feel of the setting.

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is a sweet and at times a pretty funny show. I would go see it again and recommend anyone that likes a good romance movie or novel go see it too, but definitely plan your outfit to the rising temperatures of the summer.

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY plays at Starlight Theatre through June 19th. For tickets go to https://www.kcstarlight.com/events/event-detail-production/bridges-of-madison-county.

I would to have a little lesson on theatre etiquette. I know that with Starlight being an outdoor theatre and there being multiple concession stands around, the atmosphere is a little more casual than if we were indoors, but it's still important to follow some guidelines as to not disrupt the audience who paid good money to see the show and the actors who have worked tirelessly to put on a good show for you. So, first off, the show starts at 8, please try to be there in your seats before the curtain rises. It is very distracting to have a mass entrance right after the first number when the actors are speaking. Please refrain from getting up and walking around during the performance unless it is an emergency. Making small comments to the person next to you about "that was a good song," or "he's cute" are ok, but full on conversations are very distracting. The second act does run long, the show gets over about 11, and I know that is late with it being a weekday, but please stay through curtain call and don't leave during the last song. Please remember that the actors can see you, or at least your movements, and after putting on a great performance they deserve your applause. And lastly, I am as much of a Royals fan as anyone, and I too was wondering how they were doing against the Cleveland Indians, but checking the score or watching the live stream on your phone is for intermission and after the show. Please just remember that you're not in your living room, there are other people watching who don't want to be distracted.

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