Robert James Waller’s novel has already been turned in to an award-winning movie, so it comes as no surprise to find The Bridges of Madison County adapted for the stage in the form of a musical, with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, alongside a book by Marsha Norman. It has a brief run on Broadway a few years ago, but this is the first time it’s been seen in London in an updated production at The Menier Chocolate Factory, under the direction of Trevor Nunn.
The musical adaptation follows the novel quite closely; Francesca, a wartime bride from Italy has created a new home in Iowa, raising a family with husband Bud on their cosy farm. When Bud and the children head off to the State Fair, Francesca meets Robert Kincaid, a National Geographic photographer sent to capture the beauty of Madison County’s famous covered bridges.
Their four day affair makes Francesca finally accept that life hasn’t turned out the way that she hoped, and eventually she must choose between staying with her children, or the man she has fallen in love with. While not quite Sophie’s Choice the predicament is certainly a difficult one and Francesca’s pain is clearly defined.
Jason Robert Brown’s score is an eclectic mix of country, folk and pop, with a clear emphasis on the heartstring-tugging ballads. Act two has a strong opener in the form of a hoedown, in which the audience is encouraged to clap along, but otherwise we are passive observers of this 1965 love story. ‘Before and After’, a duet between Francesca and Robert is perhaps the most touching of the night, but all of the songs have a familiar musical theatre feel to them, while at the same time sounding new and fresh.
The Bridges of Madison County has utilised space of the Menier to the fullest, with an elaborate staging that involves video projection and two revolves. Jon Bausor’s set design, coupled with Tal Rosner’s video design allows for a variety of scenes to be realistically staged, with even the most important of the covered bridges making an appearance on stage. The only downside to this is that everything that is rolled on to stage looks a bit rickety, ready to collapse at any moment, while the backstage rumblings have a habit of interrupting the dream-like ambience being created on stage.
The production has secured a strong leading lady in the form of Jenna Russell as Francesca, her performance is perfection; from her coy pursual of Robert, to the agonising choice she finds herself forced to make. Edward Baker-Duly is a confident Robert Kincaid, bringing a certain charm to the role which makes the relationship believable.
While the bulk of the story revolves around Francesca and Robert, there are some nice supporting performances. Dale Rapley’s Bud is the right mix of loving and domineering, while Gillian Kirkpatrick’s Marge brings both humour and tenderness to the production. In the few numbers where David Perkin’s Michael gets to sing we are treated to some outstanding vocals.
Trevor Nunn’s production of The Bridges of Madison County is ambitious, and would perhaps be more at home on a bigger West End stage. It does feel like it carries a few unnecessary scenes, which could be trimmed without detriment to the overall piece, but in the end this is deeply saccharine love story that will certainly appeal to many theatre-goers and in particular those who are familiar with the book or movie.
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