The Bridges of Madison County @ The Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre

Kelli O’Hara and Steven Pasquale enrapture the audience in The Bridges of Madison County.

The Bridges of Madison County tells the story of photographer Robert Kincaid (Steven Pasquale) and his life-changing, four-day love affair with Iowa farm wife Francesca Johnson (Kelli O’Hara). For those that are familiar with the novel or film versions of Bridges of Madison County, it may be a shock to see two people as young as Kelli’O Hara and Steven Pasquale in the roles of Francesca and Robert. This typical coming of "middle” age story is now given a new life and new depth with its younger leads. They are old enough to have experienced life but not yet passed their prime; giving a vibrant sensual energy to this piece.

Kelli O’Hara (The Light in the Piazza) steals hearts as the discontented housewife Francesca. Her sweeping vocals could rival those of angels and immediately engross the audience into Francesca’s soul. You care about her, her dreams, her past and her future. With every movement down to the smallest gesture O’Hara makes, she is Francesca. Her flawless performance is equally matched by Steven Pasquale. Pasquale decorates Robert with a rugged yet sincere charm delivered with swoon worthy vocals. Hunter Foster also gives a note-worthy performance as Francesca’s husband, Bud. Foster finds a delicate balance of arrogance, ignorance and love,giving Bud an inner complexity many actors might err to demonstrate.

Bartlett Sher’s direction for the ensemble is unique. They not only support the story as characters of the small Iowa town, but they remain the prying, peering community as they openly move sets and props. The ensemble is also seated on the side of the stage for the majority of the show. These elements allow the audience to empathize

with Francesca, feeling the fishbowl effect of 1960’s Iowa life.

Jason Robert Brown’s score lends an eclectic blend of music to Bridges. The styles range from songs with a true 1950’s quality, to a Joni Mitchell sound, to a Bluegrass Blues-like number and of course the contemporary Broadway style show stoppers. There are some majestic moments and highlights of this piece are arguably his best work, including “Falling Into You”, “One Second and a Million Miles” and “It All Fades Away”. However, there are also moments where the music or lyrics shackle the momentum of the storyline.

The Bridges of Madison County will make you fall in love with the love of Francesca and Robert and leave your heart aching for more. A must see for any hopeless romantic!

Review By: Staci Morin
Photos By: Joan Marcus

Almost, Maine @ The Gym at Judson

   The delightful performance of Almost, Maine presented at The Gym at Judson by director Jack Cummings III was a complete treat to experience. Set in the not quite a town, of Almost, the audience was transported through different romantic situations for an off-beat, “almost”, romantic comedy. 

   The cast of four played a range of 21 characters who experience all stages of love: first love, broken hearts, marriage troubles, etc. Playwright, John Cariani starred as a series of male characters that are both heartwarming and socially awkward. His portrayal as Dave in the vignette “Seeing the Thing” was particularly lovable while, in “This Hurts,” his character, Steve was charming with an open honesty that left the audience applauding before the lights dimmed. 

   Kevin Isola’s and Donna Lynne Champlin created the perfect scenario of married couple exhausted by life. Their’s was the only story that resonated truthfully without the added illusion of new love in any form. Kevin’s performances were spot on as what seems to be the only normal male living in the town. Particularly interesting was his portrayal as Man in “Story of Hope.” 

   One of the best scenes was due to Donna Lynne Champlin and Kelly Mcandrew’s chemistry during “They Fell.” They truly captured the whimsical moment of falling in love and the audience was clearly captivated. Donna Lynn’s winning performance in the scene “Her Heart,” set the speed for her performances throughout the show. She was memorable in everything she performed, no matter the character. 

   Last, but certainly not least, was Kelly McAndrew as the other leading lady in the play. She played everything from the disappointed soon to be fiancee, to the newly discovered lesbian, to the heartbroken high school sweetheart with aplomb. Her mannerisms were spot on and different for each character, leading to believable moments among a cast that seem to share a different kiss with each scene. 

   Scenic design and lighting design by Sandra Goldmark and R. Lee Kennedy create the atmosphere or each scene. Both simple and enchanting, their work didn’t overpower the acting, but enhanced it.  

Charming, real, and not always containing a “happily ever after,” Almost, Maine rings true for all the ages. 

   Almost, Maine opened Januray 21st at the Gym at Judson located at 243 Thompson street in the West Village. Get your tickets here!

Review by Aziza Seven

Photos provided by Transport Group