through August 18, 2013
by Walt Haggerty
“Together we all make magical, memorable summertime bliss.”
Those are the final words of Artistic Director Jenny Gersten’s opening letter
to this summer’s audience at Williamstown Theatre Festival, and a perfect
introduction to the final production of the season on the Festival’s Main
Stage.
In “The Bridges of Madison County,” impeccably directed by
Bartlett Sher, all of the values and forces of great theatre come together
handsomely in a wonderful evening that reaches the highest level of
professionalism, a hallmark of Williamstown productions.
From the opening notes of an incredible, to the single, full
ensemble bow by the marvelous cast, the experience is exhilarating. In the
program notes from a joint interview with book author, Marsha Norman and music
and lyrics contributor, Jason Robert Brown, Brown commented, “What I wanted to
write was like ‘La Traviata,’ where people sing with that much passion.” It is
a pleasure to report that the pair has succeeded admirably.
While never imitative of Verdi, Brown’s score overflows with
rich, glorious melody that begs to be heard again, and again. The score
includes 22 numbers performed beautifully. The principal roles of Francesca and
Robert, acted and sung magnificently by Elena Shaddow and Steven Pasquale, include
a series of solos and duets, virtual arias in some cases, each performed with
appropriate passion.
Every role has been cast perfectly. Daniel Jenkins is Bud, a
husband who has taken too much for granted. The rambunctious teen-age children
are exuberantly performed by Caitlin Kinnunen as Carolyn and Nick Bailey as
Michael. Neighbors, Marge and Charlie, are played by Michael X. Martin and Cass
Morgan, with Morgan especially effective in her “Get Closer” solo.
A panoramic portrait of Iowa farm country stretching off to
the horizon, by set designer Michael Yeargan, provides a distinctive backdrop
to the constantly changing action. Alternating with the farmland setting is a
generously star splattered night sky. Simple frameworks represent farm houses and
the symbolic bridge.
“The Bridges of Madison County,” heading for Broadway later
this season, is certain to be a prime contender for Tony Awards. This is the
perfect opportunity to be “one up” on New Yorkers. “Madison County” is already
a winner.
