Review: The Bridges of Madison County

Platte Valley Theatre Arts Presents | The Armory Performing Arts Center, Brighton, CO | Curtain Up! | Eric Fitzgerald | July 28, 2025

Before the curtain even rises, The Bridges of Madison County announces itself with quiet grandeur via the virtual program on the Platte Valley Theatre Arts website, http://plattevalleytheatrearts.org. Sleek and comprehensive, this high-gloss playbill invites audiences into the world of this production with a certain elegance — offering not just cast bios and production notes, but two whole pages devoted to the artistry of Jason Robert Brown, the composer responsible for not only the music and lyrics but also the orchestrations and the overall tone of the production.  It’s a rare and generous touch, grounding the show in its musical soul and giving audiences the chance to linger in Brown’s lyrical landscape before a single melody reaches the air. There will be more about the music later.

Currently on stage at The Armory Performing Arts Center in Brighton, Colorado, the Platte Valley Theatre Arts production of The Bridges of Madison County traces an Iowan landscape where time lingers and choices resonate like fading harmonies. Majestically co-directed by Kelly Van Oosbree and Victoria Holloway, with a well-crafted script written by Marsha Norman, this adaptation of the novel of the same name by Robert James Waller is a powerful and emotionally charged work.

The Story

The Bridges of Madison County is a romantic musical that tells the story of Francesca Johnson (exquisitely played by Lindsey Falduto), an Italian war bride living a quiet life on an Iowa farm in 1965. When her family leaves for the state fair, she unexpectedly meets Robert Kincaid (powerfully played by Jeremy Rill), a National Geographic photographer in search of the Iowa county’s famed covered bridges. Over the course of four days, their unexpected connection blossoms, forcing Francesca to confront the tension between duty and desire, as well as home and possibility.

Both Falduto and Rill are at the top of their games, delivering emotionally charged lyrics in their beautifully harmonized voices.  Their onstage chemistry is palpable as their relationship evolves over four random days in their respective lives. Falduto delves deeply into her emotional well to create a three-dimensional character, unlocking the often regretful journey of life. Rill, virile and charismatic, meets head-on the obligations of a role that is filled with multiple layers of nuance.  

In the role of Richard “Bud” Johnson, Lars Preece offers a grounded, quietly effective performance as Francesca’s unsuspecting husband, growing increasingly unsettled as his wife’s behavior shifts in ways he can’t quite name. Meanwhile, Jennifer Burnett and Brian Trampler, as next-door neighbors Marge and Charlie, inject welcome levity into the story’s emotional weight. Burnett, in particular, balances the busybody charm and genuine concern of Marian with just the right amount of warmth and bite.

Co-directors Van Oosbree and Holloway have delivered a production of great significance. They shaped the stage into a three-sided configuration, bringing the audience close to the action. It takes a few scenes to adjust to the setup, but the payoff is clear. The staging mirrors the story’s emotional core—its focus on longing, regret, and quiet shifts between characters. Along with a strong cast and Van Oosbree’s spirited, up-close choreography, the ensemble bands together with confidence and ease.

The Music

As promised, the music is a blend of folk, country, and operatic influences mirroring the story’s aching intimacy. It is lush and unapologetically intimate. When Francesca sings, “To Build a Home,” she doesn’t just express sacrifice; she constructs a moment of quiet sorrow. Robert’s song, “It All Fades Away,” is devastating not because he reaches for power, but because he lets it go. Winning the Tony Award for Best Score and Best Orchestrations, Jason Robert Brown’s score is the soul of the show and is heralded in the program with an extensive biography – a smart move by the producers.

The nine-member orchestra, unseen by the audience regrettably, is led by music director Frank Perko III with quiet intensity and robust determination. It is a treat to have so many musicians backing up a musical production nowadays. Perko has masterfully led the performers vocally to a heightened end of the spectrum.  

The Bridges of Madison County is a unique entry in the annals of Broadway history. With only 137 performances on Broadway, it can now be found in successful regional productions, such as this one presented by Platte Valley Theatre Arts. Playing through August 3rd only, this singular theatrical gem makes the journey to Brighton more than worthwhile. Bold, moving, and unlike anything else on stage this summer — catch it before the curtain falls.

Curtain Up! | Eric Fitzgerald | July 28, 2025