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re: Thoughts on why exactly BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is in trouble

Posted by:	pierce 12:49 pm EDT 03/30/14
In reply to:	Thoughts on why exactly BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is in trouble - NeoAdamite 02:46 am EDT 03/30/14

For me, the show is a romantic fantasy based on a novel that' s been described as "the world's longest greeting card." It clearly isn't kitchen sink reality, but then, it never aspired to be. Steven Pasquale's Robert is certainly idealized, but within the context of a romantic fantasy his character works well enough. But even fantasies have elements of realism, and I found myself strongly affected by the character of Francesca - her feelings of dislocation (a young woman from Naples thrust into the placid American Midwest) and her fear that a life of passion and vitality is beyond her reach. And when the chance for such a life presents itself, she's not sure she can accept it - much as she'd like to. Yes, Bridges has its clunky moments, and I wish various aspects of the story had been streamlined, but I still feel this is one of the better musicals I've encountered in the past few years. I think the Madison County setting is surprisingly atmospheric, the songs are mostly wonderful and the chemistry between Pasquale and Kelli O'Hara undeniable and strong. Would I have liked the show as much without O'Hara? It's hard to say, but the fact remains she IS playing Francesca and she's magnificent. I've seen her give tremendous performances in Piazza and South Pacific, but she seems even better here. Personally, I can't understand why the show hasn't attracted a larger audience, but then, I can't understand why a schlocky piece of junk like Cats ran 18 years. But once again, that's just me.

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