Original Broadway Cast brings the music to 'The Bridges of Madison County'

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Week of 04/25/2014
WHO: The Bridges of Madison County Original Broadway Cast
WHAT: The Bridges of Madison County
SPOT: 184

Those familiar with the film (or novel) The Bridges of Madison County won't be surprised to find out it's been made into a musical. It's not that the plot-which revolves around a brief but intense affair between an Italian emigrant and a National Geographic photographer-focuses on music, but that sort of storyline is just ripe for a Broadway adaptation.

The music and lyrics come from composer Robert Brown, who's perhaps best known for his Tony award-winnig original score for Parade. Brown's renowned for working culturally-relevant music into his works, and that comes into play here. The 1965-setting makes musical appearances during tracks such as "State Road 21," but Broadway fans are coming to the play to hear emotional duets between protagonists Francesca and Robert, such as the stirring "One Second and A Million Miles." Actress Kelli O'Hare deserves special credit for bringing Francesca's Italian accent smoothly into her songs, and Steven Pasquale is no slouch as Robert.

As for an original film cast musical? It wouldn't be beyond imagination. Meryl Streep proved herself to be a competent vocalist during the film version of Mamma Mia! but few are aware of Clint Eastwood's role in musical productions. The guy best known for his tough guy roles carried three songs in the musical Paint Your Wagon. His '61 single "Unknown Girl" isn't worth it though.