Review: THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY at Manatee Performing Arts Center

The Bridges of Madison County is a drama about romance and infidelity that gives us a glimpse into the lives of Francesca Johnson (DiAnne Dawson), an Italian war-bride from Naples, her Veteran husband Bud, (Cory Woomert), an Iowa farmer, and her lover Robert Kincaid, (Charles Dugan), a photographer on assignment photographing the covered bridges of Madison County for National Geographic. Robert pulls up looking for directions to the one last bridge he needs to complete his mission; just minutes after Francesca's husband and their two teenagers are out the door to the county fair for several days.

Being neighborly, Francesca invites Robert in for some refreshing iced tea. At first Francesca and Robert endure polite courtesies and keep a somewhat safe distance. As we watch them get to know each other better, desires awaken. It becomes clear Francesca is enamored with Robert's sense of adventure, a trait she stifles deep inside herself. Robert on the other hand, is attracted to Francesca's obvious devotion to her home and family. They make each other laugh and enjoy each other's company. But do they dare cross that line?

While daughter Carolyn, (Catherine Austin), presents her prized cow at the fair's bovine competition, and son Michael, (Griffyn Holcomb), deals with his rebellious side, Bud dutifully checks in with his wife by phone several times to make sure all is well at home. Under the watchful eye of loving but suspicious neighbors Marge, (Victoria Gross) and her husband Charlie, (David Addis), Francesca and Robert do indeed cross that line. The plot thickens through a series of scenes and songs that has the audience pondering if Francesca will leave the family she loves for the adventurous life Robert has offered her. We wouldn't blame her. Paired with a bit of an oblivious husband, she seems stifled and undeserving of a Dusty Old farm in Iowa. But what about the kids? These situations are always so sticky no matter what types of melodies accompany them.

Speaking of melodies, Dugan's powerful rendition of, It All Fades Away will bring you to tears. Miss Dawson's vocal abilities and Italian accent bring her character to life. Victoria Gross as the understanding neighbor is endearing. The cast and ensemble deliver a beautiful performance of what can be an uncomfortable storyline with a not-so-happy ending. Director Kathy Pingel leads her cast through some intricate scenes and set placement throughout the production which runs very smoothly and is nicely complimented by Vanessa Russo's choreography. Special kudos to Caleb Carrier, resident set designer, for the "bridge".

This Tony Awarding-winning Broadway musical was based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller. The motion picture by the same name starred Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, who received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The Bridges of Madison County runs through February 26, 2017 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.

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