The Bridges of Madison County Reviews
Chicago Tribune- Recommended
"...For better or worse, what Norman and Brown most wanted to do with this piece was to take you inside Francesca's head, to help you understand the compromises we all must make and the sadness with which we must live. Voytko is along for every mile of that particular ride through Madison County; it's a beautiful piece of work and reason alone to see the show."
Chicago Sun Times- Highly Recommended
"...In lesser hands, the musical - with a book by Marsha Norman based on Robert James Waller's 1992 best-selling novel - might easily be written off as the thinking person's Harlequin romance. But it has been turned into an instant classic by the combination of Brown's ravishing score, Nick Bowling's profoundly insightful direction, breathtaking performances by Voytko and Stampley (two Chicago-bred actors with formidable Broadway credits), and yes, a bridge possessed of a genius all its own (an inspired fold-up design by Jeffrey D. Kmiec). The show's original 2014 Broadway edition ran for just three months. There can be no doubt that were the Marriott production to open there now it could run for years."
Daily Herald- Highly Recommended
"...This contemplative story of a hasty marital affair in 1965 rural Iowa gains intensity thanks to director Nick Bowling's ingenious mastery of Marriott's intimate center-stage space. Theater lovers likely won't see such a sterling take on "The Bridges of Madison County" in the future since the Marriott has attracted top-flight artists both behind the scenes and onstage."
Chicago Reader- Somewhat Recommended
"...The casting, performances, and staging are strong-Kathy Voytko is outstanding as the heroine, and Jeffrey D. Kmiec's set design is brilliant. But the story, adapted by Marsha Norman from Waller's novel, takes way too long to unfold, then feels rushed at the end as Norman and songwriter Jason Robert Brown try to squeeze a couple decades of the characters' lives into about 20 minutes of stage time. Likewise, Brown's score, though intelligent and accomplished (it won multiple Tony awards in 2014), is oddly cold and unmemorable."
Time Out Chicago- Recommended
"...But Brown’s score, working in a variety of musical idioms and frequently stirring, deserves to be heard, and Nick Bowling’s staging is a marvel; the director and scenic designer Jeffrey D. Kmiec open up the Marriott’s often stifling stage in impressive fashion."
ChicagoCritic- Highly Recommended
"...But the whole romanic encounter is so wonderfully created with Brown’s magnificantly varied music and the performances of Voytko and Stampley and director Nick Bowling’s honest and sincere direction, that The Bridges of Madison County presents as a passionate romantic musical that enchants and pleases. The Bridges of Madison County is a refreshing, beautifully staged musical that is as much an art piece as a charming musical. It is a freshing new musical that begs to be seen."
Around The Town Chicago- Highly Recommended
"...I must confess, after doing some research on the musical version of the film “The Bridges of Madison County”, I doubted that it would be one that would hold my attention, let alone, be a play that I would give five stars to, but, guess what? It is terrific! The movie, which starred Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep was indeed a “chick flick” so I never saw it. I did speak to several fans about it as well as the novel by Robert James Waller. The musical version has a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown and does manage to follow the film story fairly close. It is the ending, which I will not give away, that is different, and extremely well done!"
Chicago Theatre Review- Highly Recommended
"...This heartbreaking musical, which was short-lived in its original 2014 Broadway debut, is now enjoying its regional premiere this summer in Lincolnshire. It's a lovely, beautifully acted and sung story that taps into something each of us has probably experienced: the road not taken. How would anyone respond if given a chance to go back and try the other route, to experience a life that's more exciting, enriching and romantic? This mellifluous, melancholy musical taps into one woman's moving memories of her past will live in the theatergoer's heart far beyond the final curtain."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews- Recommended
"...“The Bridges of Madison County” starts at a leisurely pace and at the intermission I was getting restless. But the dramatic and musical intensity picks up in the second act, centering on Francesca’s agonizing dilemma on whether to leave her family and run away with Robert or stay in Iowa and forfeit her big chance in life at a meaningful romantic relationship. Even knowing how it all comes out I was absorbed in the storytelling, and while I wasn’t reaching for the Kleenex as the final scenes wound down, I found myself involved in the turbulent feelings of the main characters. That’s a tribute to the staging and performing and music, transforming what could have been an evening’s guilty pleasure into a satisfying entertainment experience."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre- Highly Recommended
"...Indeed the joint Jeff-worthy performances by the two leads in The Bridges of Madison County‘s Chicagoland premiere are absolutely stunning. Depicting National Geographic Photographer Robert Kincaid and Italian war bride Francesca Johnson embroiled in a four-day love affair, Stampley and Voyko are, together with Brown’s folksy, operatic, soaring songbook (of which “Miles” is the most of many unforgettable songs), the chief takeaways in a Broadway-caliber production gorgeously guided by gifted Director Nick Bowling."
Picture This Post- Recommended
"...Nathaniel Stampley’s performance gives Robert a sincerity and calmness that enraptures. His voice sends palpable chills especially when singing without musical accompaniment. He is an undeniable pleasure to hear and experience. Kathy Voytko portrays Francesca as a woman with a heartbreaking past with grace. She keeps Francesca a real woman with depth and character. Despite the heightened emotions, she never loses sight of the reality and gravity of the situation."