TE FEATURE: Floyd Collins: Musical Theatre at NYU is impressive, gripping and poignant
Oscar E Moore from the rear mezzanine for Talk Entertainment.com
Impressive. Gripping. Poignant. Words that describe FLOYD COLLINS, a musical by Tina Landau (book/additional lyrics) and Adam Guettel (music and lyrics), as presented at the Frederick Lowe Theatre on West 4th Street. Produced by New York University Steinhart School of Culture, Education and Human Development.
Before I continue, here is the number to call for tickets 212 – 998 5281 Admission $20.00 $5.00 w/valid NYU ID. Remaining performances are February 14-16 at 8:00 pm and February 17 at 3:00 pm. See it.
FLOYD COLLINS is musical theatre at its creative best. Never mind that the cast consists mostly of junior and senior “vocal performance” college students. These are true professionals in every sense of the word. The magnificent display of talent on stage gives one hope that the musical theatre does indeed have a bright and wonderful future.
Under the skillful direction of John Simpkins the tragic story of Floyd Collins – is vividly and beautifully brought to life. His entire creative team must also share in the honors, as well as the unseen orchestra. The production, in its own quiet way, is truly sensational. I was blown away by the story and its presentation. The well structured book by Tina Landau is full of warmth and character, humor and theatrical surprises.
It’s 1925 on a farm near Cave City, Kentucky. On January 30th Floyd first enters the cave with a dream of discovering something - far underground - that would bring fame and fortune to him and his family. He becomes trapped. Various rescue attempts fail. Then a reporter descends into the cave to cover the story. Floyd becomes front page news. Finally, on Friday February 13th Floyd is buried alive by the collapsing earth - never having given up his hope or his humor, struggling until the end to remain alive. It’s an extremely emotional journey brilliantly set to music by Adam Guettel’s lyrical, country inspired, heartfelt score.
Each actor is exceptional. I was overwhelmed by them. In particular, Jay Armstrong Johnson as Floyd whose charm and strength of character and soaring voice immediately makes you bond with this character - caring for him, wanting him to survive, knowing all the while what eventually will happen. Nic Rouleau, as his brother Homer, is also excellent. They are two rising stars. Their scenes together are tender, funny and oft times heartrending. Jeremy Morse, as cub reporter - Skeets Miller - is terrific. When no one wants to go down to help Floyd he’s the first to volunteer – not only is he small enough to get through the tunnel but he can also get Floyd’s story first hand. Greg Trimmer is a comical young filmmaker who only sees Hollywood potential/exploitation in Floyd’s predicament. Jordan Person as Nellie – Floyd’s mentally challenged sister is anything but. She’s an innocent dreamer, lovely and vulnerable who can connect with Floyd. As Floyd’s step mom Miss Jane, Anna Winthrop shines in her duet (“Lucky”) with Nellie. The most moving of all the songs is the last “How Glory Goes” when Floyd is asking questions about death as he lies there trapped, knowing he is about to die - alone with the worms and the maggots and his friends the crickets. It is a very fitting and beautiful ending to this tragic yet beautiful story. I repeat. See it.
02-12-08
Screen Name (or blank if anonymous)
Real Name (never published)
Email (never published)
Website(optional)
TalkBack: What do you think?
Enter Code Shown below:
Comments:
|