The Bridges of Madison County (Original Broadway Cast Reunion Benefit Concert)

This show was one of fourteen shows attended over seven days, so there is no formal review. However, it is awarded a PreviewNight.com Critic’s Pick.

A few quick comments: I was not familiar with this show, but I have great trust of MCC and its programming (Exhibit A: Caroline (2025), I have of course heard of the movie, and this concert had quite a bit of buzz. I also had never before been to Carnegie Hall.

I was scheduled to see Kelli O’Hara a couple of days later with Tom Hanks in the play, This World of Tomorrow, so why not get a preview of her work? I do not remember booking front row at Carnegie Hall, so I was delighted when we arrived and found ourselves in front row. As happens frequently in the small town of New York City, I heard, “Hi Brian!” from the row behind me, and it was a couple visiting from Seattle just coincidentally sitting behind we other folk from Seattle in this little venue called Carnegie Hall. Seriously, New York City is a small town.

This concert was so incredible I actually discuss it in my new book, Broadway for Beginners. This is a rare show where the audience interrupted the show (multiple times) with standing ovations during the show. It happened both after a solo by Kelli and again after a solo by Steven Pasquale. I was not at all familiar with Steven, and I now consider myself a big fan of both of them. I just recently noticed Steven will be performing at the upcoming New York City Center Encores! performance of High Spirits, which I will be attending, and I am very much looking forward to seeing him perform again. I similarly enjoyed seeing Kelli perform two days later alongside Tom Hanks.

Out of fourteen shows this trip, this concert was my favorite. And that is saying something, because I also saw my favorite musicals Hadestown and Ragtime again (but it was my second time seeing each of those two shows). Across these three shows, many tears were shed! Now I am wondering if Bridges of Madison County will get a revival, as it seems like it has aged well and is just so good. The entire original cast is outstanding.