The Bridges of Madison County: In Concert - Carnegie Hall - 12/15/25
The stage was set with about six lightweight music stands with a standing microphone in front each spread across the stage. Behind that there was a row of about 17 chairs where the cast would sit. Behind those chairs was the 20-piece orchestra led by Jason Robert Brown which consisted of 9 violins, 3 cellos, 1 bass, 1 drums, 2 guitars, 1 piano. The house was packed and that pre-show buzz was palpable.
Kelli appeared in a brown wig befitting Francesca but with just the right amount of ash blond highlight to tastefully position both actress and character. She took an extended breath before starting “To Build a Home.” That one small gesture made me feel that this was going to be a journey we would not forget.
Once “To Build a Home” started, I realized that Kelli did not need her script on the music stand. At a moment further on, she stepped out in front of the music stand closer to the edge of the stage. This was thrilling because I then realized that she was miked and could move around freely. For a second I felt it was January 24, 2014 and I was back at the Schoenfeld. “To Build a Home” was just perfect. Rapturous applause.
Paul Alexander Nolan was terrific as Bud and “Home Before You Know It” felt effortless.
Then Steven Pasquale entered from the side door to much applause. He sang “Temporarily Lost” once Kelli got in the imaginary truck with him to look for the Roseman covered bridge.
Once back, Francesca removes her shoes. Robert brings in his imaginary guitar because as he explains, he cannot play it but his ex-wife gave it to him and he cannot leave it in the truck either. Whitney Bashor as ex-wife Marian procedes with a stunning “Another Life.” This was a very special moment in the concert too because while Marian sang “Another Life” (on the right side of the stage), Robert and Francesca were on the left side standing close and pretending to chat. It was weird because I wanted to watch Whitney perform that beautiful song but I had to watch the electric energy between Francesca and Robert. Francesca simply looked at Robert in such a way that you could fall in love with him yourself on the spot. I was so over the moon that this was not just a concert. I got to to feel these brilliant actors relive these roles. It didn’t matter that there wasn’t a kitchen or a replica of a covered bridge. You just had to look at Robert and Francesca’s face to know and you were there. Thanks to Bart Sher for this direction. It really was perfection and made the concert feel so much more like a journey.
Whitney received extended applause. Then Kelli turned from facing the audience towards Whitney who had resumed her seat. Kelli extended her arm towards Whitney and the audience just kept clapping. And more clapping. You could tell Whitney was moved.
Marge then sings “Get Closer” as Francesca and Robert dance close. They kiss several times and that electric chemistry is alive and well eleven years later. They end act one with a rapturous “Falling Into You.” Sigh. Just glorious.
“State Road 21 / The Real World” kicks off act 2 and gives the rest of the cast a chance to join in. It was fun to see Caitlin Kinnunen and Derek Klena play teens again. I actually forgot that she ate 5 corn dogs at the fair.
“Almost Real” literally brought the house to their feet. What a performance. It was brilliant. I was so happy to be part of that extended standing ovation for Kelli. She so deserved it. She was moved. This art just keeps giving. Thanks to Jason Robert Brown for creating it.
Hearing “Before and After You / One Second and a Million Miles” felt heavenly. I just did not want it to end. The audience was on its feet for this one. A prolonged standing ovation. Again so well deserved.
Chiara (Whitney Bashor) then sang the cut song “He Forgave Me.” It was interesting to hear this again. I believe I attended the 4th preview back in 2014 when this song was in. I remember having conversation afterwards about being confused by the song since Chiara was played by Whitney and I wasn’t sure if it was Chiara or Marian. Anyway it was interesting to hear it again. Chiara is a real pip.
“It All Fades Away” is always a church like moment for me and Steven captured it perfectly. Just pristine. Thunderous standing ovation.
“Always Better” had me reaching for another tissue. Speechless. Standing prolonged ovation.
It was two hours and about fifty minutes at Carnegie Hall. Gratefully I feel like I spent four days in the arms of this show. Thank you to all for such an unforgettable treasured night. What a gift.
