Bring in The New Year With a Bang! See 2x Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical, "Bridges of Madison County" at the Ahmanson!

Get your Golden ticket ASAP to Bridges of Madison County at the Ahmanson Theatre before it ends on January 17, 2016!

Based on one of the most romantic stories ever written, by Robert James Waller, this stunning stimulating mind blowing masterpiece is the Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow!

Angelenos are in for a special treat watching world renowned composer/lyricist/playwright, Jason Robert Brown, (Parade, Last Five Years, Honeymoon in Vegas, 13, Songs for a New World) conduct the orchestra for his magnum opus.

In 2014, Brown won Tony Awards for Bridges of Madison County in the Best Original Score and Best Orchestration categories.

Bridges brings to fruition the kind of energy, excitement, enthusiasm, and exhilaration that extends beyond your imagination. Expect to be completely captivated and enthralled from the opening number to final bows!!

According to lead Andrew Samonsky, who plays Robert, “This is not your typical musical or flashy song and dance. It’s unique, intimate, spectacular storytelling. The music is an extra character with mysterious power to communicate. Musical theatre can be 42nd Street and also can be Bridges. There’s a huge range of possibility and each has plusses.”

Andrew relates to his character conveying, “I grew up as an only child and always had a sense of seeking a greater truth. Robert led that life traveling the world looking for something. I’ve traveled a lot with the idea of finding for myself a truth that no one else has discovered.”

Samonsky describes Bridges as “current, smart, and sexy. It contains things never heard before in musical theatre. The music tells the story succinctly. It Pops!”

Andrew believes the theme of the show is “finding someone special we can spend the rest of our lives with.” Bridges brings up more questions than answers. However, in the end, everything fades away, except Francesca, the love of Robert’s life, brilliantly performed by Elizabeth Stanley.

Elizabeth, in Andrew’s mind, can do it all. “I was friends with her before I was cast. She’s not only an incredible talent, but generous, giving, easy going, and down to earth, which is why everyone loves her.”

“Stanley has the ability to handle sensitive materials with that astonishing voice of hers. She’s funny and embraces belty roles with pure emotion. She’s a genuinely lovely person who has made the process much more enjoyable”.

Andrew expresses his take on the main message of the play. “Eventhough there’s intense pain and sadness, there’s also immense gratitude for Robert that he got to experience the short period of time with Francesca.

Being on the stage at the Ahmanson is, “a dream come true” for Samonsky. He remembers watching Phantom of the Opera there from the last row. “It was my first show and I was mesmerized by Michael (Crawford) singing. For a 10 year old it was an intense experience.”

Samonsky calls the Music Center, “LA’s Lincoln Center…It’s the peak of art on the West Coast.”

Andrew hails from Ventura and got his training at CSUN and UC Irvine. He credits voice teacher, Linda Ottsen, as inspiring him to pursue a career in the industry.

For aspiring artists, Andrew recommends following your passion, working as hard as you can, and always staying a student. “If you love it, you gotta do it!”

Samonsky gives kudos to Jason Robert Brown for creating a beautiful score. “Every night I hear something new that moves me.” He refers to the privilege and honor of working with Brown as a “pinch me moment.”

“When Brown is in the pit conducting me, it’s crazy. He’s awesome. To hear his take and get guidance on why he composed and to say we’re colleagues is amazing. He’s right there with you the whole time and so expressive. He’s rooting for you like you’re rooting for him!”

Another sign of Brown’s genius is humming the tunes when you leave the theatre and reliving the adventure while listening to the cast recording. Once again, you’ll be completely involved in the piece de resistance, as if you’ve never left your seat.

Showtimes are Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m through January 17, 2016.

Tickets are available online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org; by calling Center Theatre Group Audience Services at (213) 972-4400; or in person at the Center Theatre Group box office.

Hot Tix ($25 each) may be purchased in advance by phone or, subject to availability, on the day of performance at the box office (no checks accepted).

Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre At the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A. 90012.