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The Bridges of Madison County

*This show contains Adult Themes and Situations*

Director’s Note

Thank you for joining us for The Bridges of Madison County.

I have to say, it has been my absolute honor to direct a musical centered on a woman who is incredibly complex and deeply human. Francesca is a rarity in our literature, and I wish that more writers would take note of how much better a musical is when women characters are well fleshed out, have agency, and are deeply complicated. I turned forty last Fall, right at the time we were casting Bridges and am currently the age of Francesca in much of our story. I’ve always been told that this age – around the turn to forty – is when life gets real. The choices are harder, actions always have a cost, and we go from seeing everything in black and white to the world in a million shades of gray. Forty is also the age where I feel that I truly understand the different kinds of love in the world. The Greeks had multiple words for types of love: eros for “sexual passion”, philia for “deep friendship”, ludus for “playful love”, agape for “love for everyone”, pragma for “longstanding love”, and philautia as “love for the self”. English has just one word: love. How unimaginative and unsatisfying. It’s in shades of gray that we find Francesca and Robert’s story, and throughout Bridges each of the words for love can be found inside of the different relationships. As that word love comes up again and again, I hope you’ll be able to tell which kind of love our characters are referencing. I also hope you will try to understand why Francesca makes each of the choices she does along the journey.

Another theme we’ve explored heavily in this production is that of community. How community can surround and support a person, but also keep a watchful eye on them as we are truly “never alone”. This idea of community helps lift and carry our musical along, to define and expand the ensemble beyond their more limited use in the script. In support of this community theme, I have adapted numerous community-based dances in Bridges: a medieval French dance called the Farandole, an Italian folk dance called the Tarantella, a mid western square dance and even a popular line dance of the 1960s called the Madison. See if you can spot these dances and understand how we’ve used them to tell the story of our community.

This musical has been a deeply personal project for me, one that has caught me by surprise at every turn. Instead of forcing my vision upon Bridges, I’ve allowed it to unfurl before me. To show me what it wanted to become. That has led to a joyous and immensely creative rehearsal experience, the most deeply satisfying artistic experience I’ve had in many years. They say that you should do things that scare you, and whoever “they” are, they were correct. I am so very thankful to my designers, creative team and cast for supporting this vision, and engaging in this process with such enthusiasm, collaboration and trust. It means more than you know.

To my own landscape photographer, my husband and partner Jason, thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement. You represent the best of both Bud and Robert, and you are there on stage with us in so many ways tonight.

Finally, I wish to dedicate this project to the memory of three men, giants in my life, who have recently passed but whose memories live on in this musical. Darcy, Nik and Joe – you are loved, you are deeply missed, and you are never forgotten.

– Erin Farrell Speer, Director and Choreographer

Cast

FrancescaAbigayle Harnum
Robert KincaidBrooks Andrew
RIchard “Bud” JohnsonTristan Altobelli
Carolyn JohnsonMarina Jansen
Michael JohnsonAidan Levinson
MargeElsa Keefe
CharlieZeth Dixon
Marian, State Fair Singer, EnsembleMallorie Sievert
Waitress, Carolyn u/s, EnsembleSammy Azua
Announcer, Charlie u/s, EnsembleCharlie Castro
Paolo, Bud u/s, EnsembleDerick Donato
Jeff, Michael u/s, EnsembleCollin Flanagan
Marian u/s, Chiara u/s, EnsembleMalia Horst
Radio DJ, Robert u/s, EnsembleErik Houck
Young Francesca, Ginny, Francesca u/s, EnsembleSitare Sadeghi
Chiara, Marge u/s, EnsembleGabriella Scarpace

Creative Team

Director/ChoreographerErin Farrell Speer
Associate DirectorJakov Schwartzberg
Music DirectorChris Rayis
Co-Associate Music DirectorKaylee Hayden
Candace Rhodes
Intimacy ChoreographerMya Brown
Intimacy CaptainDerick Donato
Scenic DesignerCharles Johnson
Costume DesignerKayla Higbee
Sound DesignerMike Smith
Audio EngineerKate Rivera
Audio 2Casey Spielman
Lighting DesignerBill Webb
Asst. Lighting DesignerSophia Walper

Production Team

Technical DirectorJosh Bothwell
Asst. Technical DirectorMargo Buchanan
Stage ManagerJessica Valente
Asst. Stage ManagerKayla Jordan
Talia Scheckman
Production ManagerBill Webb
Costume Shop ManagerHeidi Jo Schiemer
Props SupervisorNatalie Hart
Props CoordinatorJeff A.R. Jones
Props ArtisansMae Bischoff
Corinne Brager
Sarah Cadol
Graham Cole
Conrad Hall
Zoë Healey
Brynn Lackey
Caity Ladda
Sean Mikesh
Jack Morrill
Brett Turnbull
Scenic ArtistsBalazs David
Sivan Propper
Light Board OpBecca Wycoff
Sound Board OpEmily Moxon
Fly OpMargo Buchanan
WardrobeAbigail Lynch
Ilana Meissner
Brooke Gustafson
Spot OpJonathan Jensen
Gabe Tobierre
Front-of-House SupervisorDavid J. McGraw
House ManagerKeri Anderson
Ella Huestis
Laura McGuire
Jack Morrill
Poster DesignSydney Dye
Photo ConsultantJason Speer

Musical Numbers

Act 1

To Build A Home ……….Francesca, Ensemble

Home Before You Know It ……….Bud, Francesca, Michael, Carolyn

Temporarily Lost ……….Robert

What Do You Call a Man Like That? ……….Francesca

You’re Never Alone ……….Company

Another Life ……….Marian

Wondering ……….Robert

Look at Me ……….Company

The World Inside a Frame ……….Robert

Something from a Dream ……….Bud

Get Closer / Falling into You ……….Marge, Robert, Francesca, Ensemble

Act 2

State Road 21 / The Real World / Who We Are ……….Company

Almost Real ……….Francesca, Young Francesca, Chiara, Paolo and Company

Before and After You / A Million Miles ……….Robert, Francesca

When I’m Gone ……….Charlie, Bud, Company

It All Fades Away ……….Robert

Always Better ……….Francesca, Robert, Company

The Band

Piano/Conductor: Chris Rayis

Violin I: Ueli Schweizer

Violin II: Sierra Sims-Smith

Viola/Violin III: Jennifer Lane

Viola/Violin III: Theresa Fox

Cello: Josie Greenwald

Bass: Rebecca Marland

Guitar 1: Allan Beck

Guitar 2: Wesley Rose

Percussion: Erik Schmidt

Auxiliary Percussion: Kaylee Hayden & Candace Rhodes

Contractor: Kate Hopper

Bios

Joshua Bothwell

Joshua Bothwell

Natalie Taylor Hart

Natalie Taylor Hart

Chris Rayis

Chris Rayis

Tristan Altobelli

Tristan Altobelli

Brooks Andrew

Brooks Andrew

Charlie Castro

Charlie Castro

Graham Cole

Graham Cole

Zeth Dixon

Zeth Dixon

Derick Donato

Derick Donato

Collin Flanagan

Collin Flanagan

Abigayle Harnum

Abigayle Harnum

Kaylee Hayden

Kaylee Hayden

Erik Houck

Erik Houck

Marina Jansen

Marina Jansen

Aidan Levinson

Aidan Levinson

Elsa Oates Keefe

Elsa Oates Keefe

Kayla Jordan

Kayla Jordan

Sivan Propper

Sivan Propper

Candace Rhodes

Candace Rhodes

Sitare Sadeghi

Sitare Sadeghi

Mallorie Sievert

Mallorie Sievert

Jessica Valente

Jessica Valente

Sophia Walper

Sophia Walper

Malia Horst

Malia Horst

Gabriella Scarpace

Gabriella Scarpace

Margo Buchanan

Margo Buchanan

Tyler Wakelin

Tyler Wakelin

Talia Scheckman

Talia Scheckman

Mya Brown

Mya Brown

Erin Farrell Speer

Erin Farrell Speer

Kayla Higbee

Kayla Higbee

Sammy Azua

Sammy Azua

Joshua Bothwell

Interim Technical Director and alum of the TDT department. Happy to be back at Elon, and to be putting on this show.

Natalie Taylor Hart

Natalie Taylor Hart is a Scenic Designer and the Associate Chair of Performing Arts at Elon University. Selected Scenic Designs: New York: Tech Support (59E59TH, Off-Broadway); Tartuffe (Queens Theatre, Off-Off-Broadway); Slave Shack (Algonquin Theatre); Associate Designer for The Wiz (The Netherlands). Regional: Life in the Fat Lane (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park); Having Our Say, Our Town {Scenic Consultant}, Fences {Finalist in World Stage Design 2017 Taipei}, White Lightning (Triad Stage). Exhibitions: USITT Design Expo, Prague Quadrennial, World Stage Design Finalist 2017, Lincoln Center Portfolio Review. MFA, Ohio University. Proud member of IATSE USA Local 829. natalietaylorhart.com

Chris Rayis

Broadway: FROZEN. National Tour: Hamilton; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; Elf; Man Of La Mancha. Film: The Last 5 Years. Off-Broadway: Far From Heaven; Cruel Intentions. TV: Jeopardy!; Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. Proud part-owner of Manchester United, the world's greatest football club.

Tristan Altobelli

Tristan is super excited to be here and to be a part of Elon performing arts.

Brooks Andrew

Brooks is currently a Senior Music Theatre major at Elon and is looking forward to graduation and moving to NYC. His past favorite roles include Prince Topher (Cinderella, Wagon Wheel Center For The Arts), Robert Kincaid (The Bridges of Madison County, Elon University). Brooks looks forward to returning to Wagon Wheel Center For The Arts this summer to play the role of Prince Eric in Disney's The Little Mermaid. Brooks would like to extend a special thanks to his family, his Music Theatre Class of '23, and his Vizsla puppy "Rugby". Find him on Instagram @brooks_andrew

Charlie Castro

Charlie is a sophomore music theatre major at Elon University. He is a Miami, Florida native. He is overjoyed to be in his second mainstage at Elon University as part of The Bridges of Madison County ensemble. Some of his past favorite roles include Hot Blades Harry in Urinetown, Harry Houdini in Side Show, & Javert in Les Miserables. He wants to thank his family & friends for all of their constant support in all of his artistic endeavors. He is incredibly grateful to be doing what he loves most.

Graham Cole

Graham Cole is a sophomore Acting major from McLean, Virginia. His work at Elon include Concord Floral (7 / Couch), Sense and Sensibility (Mrs. Jennings U/S, Sir John U/S), and improv with Instant Laughter.

Zeth Dixon

Zeth Dixon is a 3rd year Music Theatre Major here at Elon University. Some of his favorite credits include Eddie in Mamma Mia (Bigfork Summer Playhouse), Crapshooter/Ensemble in Guys & Dolls (Bigfork Summer Playhouse), Pat Denning/Ensemble in 42nd Street (Elon University), and Man #1 in Songs for a New World (Nashville Children’s Theatre). He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and also serves in many leadership positions here on campus.

Derick Donato

Derick is so excited to be back for Grand Night 2023. He lives in Binghamton, NY and is a current sophomore at Elon. Some of his favorite credits include On Your Feet! (Male Swing), The Bridges ... County (u/s Bud/Ensemble), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), and Mamma Mia! (Sky). He would like to thank his family, friends, and teachers for their constant support and love - Enjoy the show! @derick.donato

Collin Flanagan

Collin is ecstatic to be a part of the cast of The Bridges of Madison County! Recently at Elon, Collin has performed in Movin’ On, Collage, Grand Night, and Elon Cares. He would like to thank the entire company for their perseverance, and a special shout-out to his parents for being the best people in the whole world. Enjoy the show!

Abigayle Harnum

Abby Harnum is a current senior and proud member of Elon’s Music Theatre class of 2023. She is absolutely thrilled to be portraying such a dream role and is incredibly grateful for such a rewarding experience working on this show. Most recently, Abby was seen in North Carolina Theatre’s production of On Your Feet! and Peach State Summer Theatre’s productions of Cinderella and Sister Act. Abby would like to thank her loving family, friends and the entire Elon Performing Arts community for their support.

Kaylee Hayden

Kaylee (she/her) is a Senior in the BFA Music Theatre program while also pursuing a minor in Music Technology. Previously at Elon, she recently played Lucinda in Into The Woods, as well as understudied in The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin. Kaylee is an executive member of Vital Signs A Cappella, serving as the PR Chair. She is so grateful for her four years at Elon and getting to conclude with this incredible show. She sends all of her love and gratitude to her family, friends, VS fam, MT23, this crazy cast, and Cole <3

Erik Houck

Erik is super excited to be performing here at Elon alongside his peers! Previous roles Erik has played include Tom of Warwick in the Broadway tour of Camelot and Roger in ITS’s Rent.

Marina Jansen

Marina Jansen is a sophomore Music Theatre major from Maryland. They have been working in the professional industry both onstage and onscreen since they were 13. In addition to performing, Marina loves choreographing, playing the piano and guitar, and writing music. They'd like to thank all their friends and fellow MT majors for their amazing hard work and talent. Enjoy the show!

Aidan Levinson

Aidan Levinson is a senior BFA Acting and Music in the Liberal Arts major from Massachusetts. He is thrilled to be performing the role of Michael in this production. Recent credits include Head Over Heels (Dametas), La Traviata (Servant), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip Tolentino), and Sense and Sensibility (Edward/Robert Ferrars).

Elsa Oates Keefe

Elsa is a junior Music Theatre Major from Lowell, MA. Recent credits include; Fun Home (Paramount Theatre Aurora), Sister Act (Geva Theatre Center), Head Over Heels (Elon University), 42nd Street (Elon University), Bubbly Black Girl (Elon University), The Who’s Tommy (Seacoast Rep). She is a proud YoungArts 2020 winner in Theatre. Many thanks to her mentors, friends, and family for their unwavering support. Special shoutout to her voice teacher Kenneth Lee! @elsakeefe

Kayla Jordan

Kayla Jordan is a sophomore TDT major from Nashville, Tennessee. Previous Elon credits Into the Woods (Assistant Stage Manager) and Concord Floral (Assistant Stage Manager). Other recent credits include Steel Magnolias (Stage Manager) and Murder on the Orient Express (Stage Manager) at Weathervane Playhouse. Kayla is thrilled to now be an Assistant Stage Manager for The Bridges of Madison County and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Sivan Propper

Sivan is a Senior B.F.A Acting Major from Los Angeles, California. She is so grateful for the support, opportunities, and education she has gained from her professors at Elon University. After graduation, she plans on movie back to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Television and Film.

Candace Rhodes

Candace Rhodes is a senior music theatre major at Elon University. She has played various roles such as Working the Musical, Grand Hotel, Once on this Island, The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, and Elon’s workshop production of Movin' On. Candace is thrilled to be a part of the production of Elon’s Head Over Heels. She wants to thank God, her family, and her closest friends for their consistent support. @candace.roseee

Sitare Sadeghi

Sitare Sadeghi is a sophomore Music Theatre major with a minor in Piano Pedagogy. Previous roles include Ensemble in Movin’ On, Sheila in Hair, Sally in Cabaret, Cinderella in Into The Woods, and Cassie in A Chorus Line. Sitare has also participated in Collage, Elon Cares, and Grand Night as a Music Director. Sitare is excited to continue her journey performing on the Elon stage and is thankful for all of the opportunities her family has provided her. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Mallorie Sievert

Mallorie is a junior Music Theatre major and Math minor in the Honors Fellows program, and she is so excited to be a part of this production! She was a 2020 National YoungArts finalist and US Presidential Scholar in the Arts, and some of her favorite roles have been Jo March in Little Women and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Jessica Valente

Jessica Valente is a Senior Theatrical Design and Technology major from Wyckoff, New Jersey. She is very proud that The Bridges of Madison County will be her final stage managing experience at Elon. Jessica’s past Elon credits include Fall Dance Concert '22 (Lighting Designer), Movin On (Stage Manager), Fall Dance Concert '21 (Lighting Designer), Heart of Shrapnel (Asst. Lighting Designer), Fugitive Songs (Asst. Stage Manager), Beast Mode Champion (Asst. Stage Manager) and The Wolves(Asst. Stage Manager). Jessica has enjoyed working on this production and would like to thank her family and friends for all their love and support.

Sophia Walper

Sophia Walper is a sophomore Theatrical Design and Technology major with a concentration in lighting design. This year, they are excited to work as the assistant lighting designer on The Bridges of Madison County, and Clue later in the spring. Sophia would like to thank their friends, family and mentors for their support and help along the way.

Malia Horst

Malia Horst is a Freshman Music Theatre major and welcomes you to Grand Night 2023! Her past credits include Marian U/S, Chiara U/S, and Ensemble in Elon’s recent Bridges of Madison County, Cinderella in Into the Woods, Inga in Young Frankenstein, and Marty in Grease. She could not be more excited to perform alongside her classmates in such a well produced and inspiring student run showcase. Thank you to everyone (specifically Professors Courtney Liu and Chris Rayis) for their dedication to making this such a rewarding process! Enjoy the show!

Gabriella Scarpace

Gabriella Scarpace is a first year BFA Music Theatre Major and is so excited to be performing in her first Grand Night! She was recently seen in The Bridges of Madison County as Chiara/Marge US. Gabriella had the honor of being Associate Choreographer for Playhouse on The Square’s Something Rotten!. She also had the opportunity to train with the Radio City Rockettes in NYC. Gabriella wants to thank the whole performing arts department and she cannot wait for you to see Grand Night!

Margo Buchanan

Margo Buchanan (she/her) is a sophomore at Elon double majoring in political science and theatrical design and technology with a concentration in technical direction. She’s very excited to be the assistant technical director for The Bridges of Madison County! Recent credits include Head Over Heels (deck lead) and Bridging: The Spring Dance Concert (assistant stage manager).

Tyler Wakelin

Tyler has worked on costumes for regional productions of Chicago and sets for Mamma Mia and is excited to get even more experience as deck crew for Bridges of Madison County.

Talia Scheckman

Talia Scheckman is a First-year Theatrical Design and Technology major from Livingston, New Jersey. She is so excited that The Bridges of Madison County is her first Mainstage assistant stage-management experience at Elon! Talia’s previous Elon credits include Fall Dance Concert (Assistant Stage Manager). Talia’s recent credits include Fiddler On The Roof (Stage Manager), and The Somewhat True Tale of Robinhood (Stage Manager) at Livingston High School. Talia has had the best time working on this production and would like to thank everyone involved, her family, and her friends for their love and support. She can’t wait for everyone to see it!

Mya Brown

Mya Brown is an Assistant Professor and Co-Coordinator of the BFA in Acting at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. Mya also serves as Assistant Faculty with Theatrical Intimacy Education, one of the nation's leading organizations in theatrical intimacy practices. Regional acting credits include: Jekyll-staged reading (Triad Stage), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum & Romeo and Juliet (WV Public Theatre), and The Colored Museum (NuBlack Arts West). You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok @myasturnnow.

Erin Farrell Speer

Originally from Los Angeles, Erin is an Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at UNC Greensboro where she founded and co-coordinates the BFA musical theatre program. Erin has also taught in the musical theatre programs at Penn State and Florida Southern. Erin earned her MFA at Penn State, and her BFA from the University of Michigan. Broadway and Tour: Escape to Margaritaville. Off-Broadway: Stardust Road (York Theatre Company). Regional companies: Center Theatre Group/the Mark Taper Forum, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarasota Opera House, Heritage Rep, Sierra Rep, CLOC Cape Cod. Favorite directing credits: Pippin, The Spongebob Musical, American Idiot, Sweet Charity, Company, The Wild Party, All Shook Up, The Scarlet Pimpernell. Upcoming: Rock of Ages.

Kayla Higbee

Kayla Higbee (she/her) is a Costume Designer and a Limited Term Assistant Professor at Elon University. Selected Costume Designs: Men on Boats (Tantrum Theatre), Tall Girls (Independent Production), Twelfth Night (Centre College), Superior Donuts (AthensWest Theatre Company), Assasains (Centre College), Objects in the Mirror (Tantrum Theatre), Stitched With a Sickle and a Hammer (Ohio University), The Wolves (Ohio University). Other: Assistant to the Costume Designers, Texas Shakespeare Festival (2022), Wardrobe Supervisor, Berkshire Theatre Group (2015-2019), Resident Costume Designer, Centre College (2014-2018). MFA, Ohio University.

Sammy Azua

Sammy is so very excited to be performing in her first ever Elon performance! She is loving every second of being a first year in the Music Theatre BFA program and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform with such a talented group. Previous credits include Mamma Mia! (Rosie), Chicago (Merry Murderess, Mona), Crush (Camilla Faraday), 1940's Radio Hour (Connie Miller). Sammy would like to thank her family whom she would not be here without. And keep an eye out for her performing in Antigone this October with Elon Renegade Productions! Enjoy the show! @sammyazua