The Bridges of Madison County

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Loan Dang and Breanne Brennan

Kevin Blakeslee and Sarah Blakeslee star in "The Bridges of Madison County."

Kevin Blakeslee and Sarah Blakeslee star in "The Bridges of Madison County," Music Theatre of Madison, 2025.

media release: release- Music Theatre of Madison, a professional theater company now in its nineteenth year, will present the sweeping, romantic musical The Bridges of Madison County from August 15-23 at the Play Circle in the Memorial Union. The show has a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. The musical is based on the best-selling book by Robert James Waller.

Francesca Johnson, a beautiful Italian woman who married an American soldier to flee war-ravaged Italy, looks forward to a rare four days alone on her Iowa farm when her family heads to the 1965 State Fair. When ruggedly handsome National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid, pulls into her driveway seeking directions, though, what happens in those four days may very well alter the course of Francesca's life. Based on the best-selling novel and nominated for several Tonys, Bridges is a touching, fiercely romantic, and powerful testament to love and the question of “what if?” The production will be directed by Music Theatre of Madison founder and Executive Director Meghan Randolph, music directed by Lisa Erdman, and choreographed by Kate Jajewski.

“When choosing a production for this time slot this year, I wanted to celebrate love,” says Randolph. “I was also looking for a vehicle for the remarkably talented singers we have available to us in Madison, as the music in this show is absolutely glorious.”

The Bridges of Madison County features married couple Sarah Blakeslee and Kevin Blakeslee as the star-crossed lovers Francesca Johnson and Robert Kincaid. Also in the cast are John Beard (Bud), Alleanah Hancock-Jameh (Carolyn), Josh Hawley (Michael), Cat Richmond (Marian), Jen Ward Lennon (Marge), Bart Terrell (Charlie), and Micah Friedman and Shane Ceniza, each in various roles. Understudies are Lindsey Giese, Brandon Aroonsavath, Dave Conour, Emily Odegaard, Wesley Yaroch, Rachel Brolin, Karen Saari, Dan Presser, Sophie Pitsch, and Nick Zadra. They will be accompanied by a 7-piece chamber orchestra.

“Audiences will be thrilled by the music, wrapped up by the performances, and truly rooting for Robert and Francesca,” says Randolph. “It’s a great night to spend with someone you love, be it a partner, child, or friend.”

Tickets will go on sale on June 16 via the Union Theatre Box Office at 608-265-ARTS or via MTM’s website at www.mtmadison.com.

The Bridges of Madison County is sponsored by the Wisconsin Arts Board with additional funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, and Orange Tree Imports.

Sarah Blakeslee (Francesca) has MTM credits as far back as 2006, including Nellie Collins (FLOYD COLLINS), LaFleur (NINE), ASSASSINS, VIOLET, ELEGIES…, and countless concerts and Miscasts. Other selected credits: Lady of the Lake (SPAMALOT), Baker’s Wife (INTO THE WOODS), Maria (SOUND OF MUSIC), Sarah Brown (GUYS AND DOLLS), Narrator (JOSEPH…), Susan (COMPANY). She is a speech pathologist/voice therapist at SSM Health. Thanks to Meghan for believing in me, and to my eternal scene partner, Kevin, and our theater kids Ryan/Tessa/Leo. Love is always better.''

Kevin Blakeslee (Robert) has worked with MTM since Violet (Monty) in 2006. You may remember him from other MTM productions: Little Miss Sunshine (Richard), Floyd Collins (Homer), Assassins (Zangara). Other credits include: Company (Peter), Chicago (Billy), Into the Woods (Baker). Music Director credits: Spring Awakening, Hello Girls, La Cage, Smile, Honk, She Loves Me, Rent. B.A.-Vocal Performance/Master’s-Choral Conducting, University of Iowa. Kevin teaches music and choir at Lincoln Elementary and Madison Youth Choirs. Eternally grateful to Meghan for introducing this show to us and to my wife for making the subtext of these songs effortless.