MOUNT CARROLL, ILLINOIS (September 8, 2025) — Timber Lake Playhouse, Illinois’ premier professional summer theatre, closes its 2025 mainstage season with The Bridges of Madison County, onstage September 12 through 21, 2025. Based on the bestselling novel by Robert James Waller and the beloved film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood, this sweeping romance features music and lyrics by Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) and a book by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman.
Experience a breathtaking musical with romance that explores the roads we travel, the doors we open, and the bridges we dare to cross. Set in 1965 Iowa, The Bridges of Madison County tells the story of Francesca Johnson, an Italian woman living a quiet life on a farm, whose world is transformed when National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid arrives at her door. What begins as a chance encounter blossoms into a powerful love story that will change them both forever. With a soaring score and unforgettable storytelling, this moving musical will leave audiences spellbound.
Director and Scenic Designer Christian Fleming leads an acclaimed creative team, joined by Music Director Ashley Grace Ryan (and a live nine-piece orchestra), Costume Designer Matthew Eggers, Lighting Designer José Santiago, Sound Designer Cameron Griffiths, Projections Designer Brian Pacelli, Props Designer Jeff Creath, Technical Director Luke Francis, and Production Manager Julia Gangemi.
The cast is led by Leland Burnett as Robert Kincaid and Kristin Wetherington as Francesca Johnson, with Daniel Pippert as Richard “Bud” Johnson, Darcie A Hingula as Marian and Chiara, Matthew Hommel as Michael, Tori Tiernan as Carolyn, John Chase as Charlie, and Nancy Teerlinck as Marge (Members of Actor’s Equity Association). Stage Management by Lexi Holder*.
Audiences can extend their time at Timber Lake Playhouse by enjoying a meal in their Beer Garden before the show, or by visiting the theatre’s gift shop for exclusive branded merchandise. With only nine performances, demand is expected to be high, and patrons are encouraged to purchase their seats now.
Tickets are available at the Timber Lake Playhouse Box Office, open daily, 10AM-5PM, and through intermission on performance days, by calling (815) 244-2035, or online at timberlakeplayhouse.org.
The Bridges of Madison County is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, mtishows.com.
