Building ‘The Bridges of Madison County’: Insights from Jason Robert Brown

Jason Robert Brown had never read the romance novel, “The Bridges of Madison County,” before embarking on the task of creating a musical adaptation. Despite his initial reservations about the book’s prose and plotting, he found himself captivated by the story’s central conflict and agreed to collaborate with playwright Marsha Norman and director Bartlett Sher. Brown took some liberties with the source material, acknowledging that the book was not well-written but recognizing the power of its exploration of middle-aged life and reaching a crossroads.

Although the Broadway production of “Bridges” had a short run, it still earned Brown a Tony for his original score. The current revival at Signature Theatre coincides with a resurgence in Brown’s career, with recent successes including a Tony nomination for scoring “Mr. Saturday Night” and a Tony for the revival of “Parade.” Brown’s latest show, “The Connector,” explores the themes of trust and storytelling in a unique and politically charged manner.

In reflecting on his career and mentorship of the next generation of theater makers, Brown acknowledges his role as an elder statesman. He recognizes that his style of musical storytelling may be out of fashion but remains committed to preserving and passing on the tradition. “The Connector” pushes boundaries and challenges the audience’s perception of truth, making it a risky but powerful piece of musical theater.

The production of “The Bridges of Madison County” at Signature Theatre promises to be a must-see event, offering a fresh take on a beloved story with an award-winning score by Jason Robert Brown.

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