On the Horizon: The Bridges of Madison County

Posted: January 2, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Broadway, Drama, Musical, On the Horizon | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Bridges of Madison County

Another new musical I’m excited for this season is The Bridges of Madison County. Ironically I haven’t read the book or seen the movie. It’s once again the cast and creative team that have me revved up for this show.

Directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher, the music is written by Tony winner Jason Robert Brown and the book by Marsha Norman. Marsha Norman, guys! She’s a Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner who wrote the book for the musical The Secret Garden, a personal favorite from my youth.

The trio of stars are Kelli O’Hara, Steven Pasquale, and the recently announced Hunter Foster. I love these three. Kelli, a four-time Tony nominee, is wonderful; not just a beautiful blonde with a beautiful voice, but that girl can act (see: South Pacific, The Light in the Piazza). Steven you might know from TV land (Rescue Me or the less successful Do No Harm), but I’ve been listening to him woo me with his sweet, sweet voice for years in A Man of No Importance, singing The Streets of Dublin. And Hunter? Please. I’ve had a legit crush on him since 2001 when he starred as Bobby Strong in Urinetown. I try to see him in everything he does (yes, I even saw Hands on a Hardbody).

Here’s a song preview featuring O’Hara and Pasquale (and here is some rehearsal footage). If you’re a fan of Jason Robert Brown, I think you’ll enjoy the new tune. It has a Parade-like feel to it (for which he won the Tony for Best Score in 1999). Don’t know JRB’s music? Be sure to also listen to Songs for a New World and The Last Five Years on good ol’ Spotify.

Overall, there is a lot of potential here between the creatives and cast. Bridges begins previews on January 17th at the Schoenfeld Theatre and opens February 20th. Check back around then for a review from me!

The Bridges of Madison County
Written by Jason Robert Brown and Marsha Norman, Directed by Barlett Sher
Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, first preview January 17th
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus
Pictured: Steven Pasquale and Kelli O’Hara

On the Horizon: IF/THEN

Posted: December 13, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: Broadway, Musical, On the Horizon | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

IF/THEN
It’s another new feature! “On the Horizon” posts will focus on shows that are making their way to Broadway in the upcoming season(s).

IF/THEN recently finished up its run in Washington, DC at The National Theatre and isn’t coming to the Great White Way for another several months (March 2014), but I can’t help but be excited about the possibilities!

First, you’ve got this creative team: composer Tom Kitt and book/lyrics writer Brian Yorkey (the Tony-winning writing team of Next to Normal) and Tony-nominated director Michael Greif. Second, the show stars Tony winner Idina Menzel and features Anthony Rapp, James Snyder, LaChanze, Jenn Colella, and more. Third, and possibly most important, it’s Brand. New. Material.

This is so rare nowadays in the musical world it makes my heart hurt a little. Yes, yes, musicals based on movies can be hits (Kinky Boots, Matilda) and even some jukebox musicals make a huge splash (Jersey Boys), but to quote [title of show]: “Original on Broadway? Baby, that is risky!”

I can tell you that this audio clip got me excited about it. And, well, that’s all I really know. The basic premise is that a woman in her 40s (Menzel) is entering a new phase of her life in New York City and getting a chance at a fresh start.

Who knows? Maybe it will crash and burn, but what can I say? I’m excited to support the risk-takers out there and see something new.

IF/THEN
Written by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, Directed by Michael Greif
Richard Rodgers Theatre, first preview March 5th
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus
Pictured: Idina Menzel