Jennifer DeDominici, CC’s principal voice instructor and a block visitor in the Department of Music, plays the female lead in what she calls “an absolute dream role — an artistic endeavor that will require all of my singing and acting skills.” DeDominici is starring in the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company’s production of “The Bridges of Madison County,” Feb. 13-March 1, 2020.
DeDominici teaches a group voice class as well as private voice lessons. Prior to teaching, she worked with many at CC as a professional singer, performing with the Summer Music Festival, Vocal Arts Festival, and with many of the theatre and music actors in professional productions outside of CC. Later this year, DeDominiciwill be playing Bea in “Something Rotten!” at the Arvada Center and Carrie Pipperidge in “Carousel” at Central City Opera, as well as singing the alto solos in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Denver Philharmonic.
This Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College production is the regional premiere of the musical version of “Bridges of Madison County.” The story is based on the novel of the same name by Robert James Waller, which was also made into a movie starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood. It’s a story about an Italian wartime bride, Francesca, who comes to America to make a life. After years of feeling content if unappreciated, she meets a person who reminds her of the dreams and feelings she forgot she could have. It’s a story of choices, of love, and of being seen. This production of the musical is directed and choreographed by Nathan Halvorson.
The score and orchestration of this musical won the Tony Award when the piece was on Broadway in 2014. “The music is gorgeous, with thematic material that intertwines beautifully to more eloquently tell the story than can be done with words alone,” says DeDominici.
“Francesca is a dream role for me,” she says. “It’s one of those rare opportunities to perform a piece that requires almost everything I have to offer artistically, and at a time in my life where the character is perfectly suited to me. Not every performer gets an opportunity to do a role like this. And, it’s pretty special that I am performing this in a theatre that is also part of the college where I teach!”
“The Bridges of Madison County” is running now at the FAC. CC students: You can attend for free! Just show up with your Gold Card within an hour before the show begins. If there are seats available, you will get one at no charge.
