The Company Theatre Presents The Bridges of Madison County

The award-winning Company Theatre presents the regional premiere of the new musical The Bridges of Madison County from February 16 through 19 at The Company Theatre Center for Performing Arts, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell. The Bridges of Madison County music and lyrics are by Jason Robert Brown, book by Marsha Norman, based on the novel by Robert James Waller. The production is directed by Michael Hammond, with music direction by Steve Bass.

The Bridges of Madison County is a stunning new musical that captures the heartland of America, a tale of a forbidden love affair between a photographer and a housewife, changing them forever. Francesca, who married an American soldier to flee war torn Italy, looks forward to four days alone on her Iowa farm as her family heads to the 1965 State Fair. When National Geographic photographer Robert pulls into her driveway seeking directions, the course of their lives begin to change as they struggle with the eternal question “What if…” Based on the novel that inspired the Clint Eastwood film, and winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Score, this tale of yearning is enhanced by the soaring music of Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, Parade, Songs for a New World).

Hailed by The Boston Globe as “glowing,” “incandescent,” and “a singing actress to be reckoned with,” American soprano Jacquelyn Stucker (Francesca) of Boston, is recognized internationally as a versatile singer of new and interesting repertoire ranging from concert works to opera to contemporary music. Praised for her “dark-tinged soprano with a dusky lower register,” Stucker begins a two-year engagement this autumn with the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden as a Jette Parker Young Artist. Her current season appearances include the soprano solos in Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis with the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, Beethoven’s “Ah, perfido!” with Grand Harmonie, the soprano solos in works by Graupner and Bach with the Handel and Haydn Society, the roles of Gabriel and Eve in Die Schöpfung with the Back Bay Chorale, and her Santa Fe Opera principal artist debut as Oberto in Alcina. Visit www.jacquelynstucker.com for more information.

Playing opposite, Brendan Quinn (Robert) makes his Boston area, debut, hailing from New York. Now residing in Brighton, Quinn has appeared as Anthony in Sweeney Todd, Tateh in Ragtime, Ren in Footloose, Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Danny Zucco in Grease, Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees, Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man, and Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls.

The Bridges of Madison County cast also includes Timmy Harrington (Bud) of Groton, Allie Abate (Marion/Chiara/State Fair Singer) of Plymouth, Juliana Dennis (Marge) or Norwell, Steve Dooner (Charlie) of Quincy, Alex Boyle (Michael) of Hingham, Maddy Wendell (Carolyn) of Hingham, and Kyra McConnell of Hingham, Peter Kirby of Norwell and Ryan Barrow of Cohasset (Ensemble).

The Bridges of Madison County is adorned with The Company Theatre’s trademark authentic sets and costumes, gifted cast, accompanied by a professional orchestra.

Tickets for The Bridges of Madison County are $41 to $43, matinee and evening performances are available. For a complete performance schedule, to order tickets, or for more information, call the box office at 781-871-2787, email boxoffice@companytheatre.com, or visit www.companytheatre.com. The box office is open Monday to Friday from 11 am to 6 pm, and during all performances. Free parking is available on site, and the theatre is handicap accessible. For the latest information on programs and performances, please visit the website, or follow The Company Theatre Center for the Arts on Facebook and Twitter.