The Bridges of Madison County fantasy in which a virile stranger materializes in the kitchen of a quiet housewife and takes her into his arms." The book debuted on the "New York Times" bestseller list in August 1992 and slowly climbed to number 1, and remained on the list for over three years (164 consecutive weeks), through October 8, 1995. "The Bridges of Madison County" was made into a 1995 film of the same name, adapted by Richard LaGravenese and directed by Clint Eastwood. It stars Eastwood and Meryl Streep. "The Bridges of Madison County" was adapted into a Tony Award-winning musical with music and
The Bridges of Madison County (musical) ultimately separated them, but regrets neither her affair with him nor her choice to stay with her family. In their final moments, Robert and Francesca—appearing as they were when they first fell in love—embrace on the Roseman Bridge ("Always Better"). According to "Playbill", the critical reviews were divided. Although the musical had "admirers who responded to Brown's score that mixed folk, country, pop and operatic passages, it failed to ignite wide audience appeal at the box office." "The Bridges of Madison County" received nine 2014 Drama Desk Award nominations: Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Steven Pasquale), Outstanding Actress