BWW Reviews: A Soaring Score in the Bleak FLOYD COLLINS from STAGEright

It's not the happiest or most easily accessible of shows, which is probably why it's not often done. But those that know it and can allow the score to wash over them know "Floyd Collins" is an absolutely beautiful score with a somewhat hopeful yet heart aching story. And the folks over at STAGEright have once again taken their outside-the-box look at things and taken this piece on; a daunting task to stay the least. And while at times some of the power of the piece and performers was a bit lacking, they still manage some stunning moments in a solid production of an under sung gem.

The story is a fairly simple one based on fact as Floyd Collins (Brian Lange), an amateur cave enthusiast in the 1920's finds what he believes to be the perfect undisturbed cave which he thinks will make him rich by making it more accessible for tours. Problem is even as experienced a caver as he is even he has some troubles working his way through some of the tighter spots of the cave and when one of those tight spots collapses he finds himself trapped about 150 feet below ground. The townspeople and his family mount a rescue lead by Floyd's brother Homer (Jordan Melin). But when efforts to reach him become too difficult and the papers get wind of the story, the town and the situation turn into a media circus focusing more on making a buck and less on rescuing Floyd. But Floyd's family will not give up especially his slightly disturbed sister Nellie (Chelsea LeValley) along with Skeets Miller (Ben Wynant), the reporter who broke the story but who's also the only one small enough to reach the trapped Floyd.

As I said the story is pretty simple, to rescue Floyd. What's not simple is the music and lyrics by Adam Guettel and Tina Landau with their bluegrass inspired songs and reverberating echo pieces which take the show beyond a traditional musical and into more of a choral piece. You might not walk away humming the tunes but the story and music are likely to get into your bones if you let it. And with wonderful direction from Lindsey Larson and music direction from Mark Rabe that's not a difficult task as both of them seem to know the precise tone and stakes needed for the show.

The tight ensemble and leads take a hold of the piece and run with it with a wonderful intensity. There were a few rocky moments (no pun intended) but I think we can attribute that to nerves and opening night which makes me think the show can only get better. Lange may not look it but when he opens his mouth has a powerful voice with which to belt Floyd's numbers. A few shaky moments but nothing that overshadowed his stirring and intense character. Melin manages a kind of matinee idol mixed with determined good guy feel to the role of Homer. LeValley infuses her role with a beautiful kind of scattered sweetness and has some brilliant heart tugger moments. And Wynant couldn't be more likable as the diminutive savior who becomes disillusioned with the story he's wrought.

"Floyd Collins" is not a mind blower but a piece that deserves attention and gets too little of it. As a lover of musical theater or just plain good storytelling you don't want to pass this one up as it's not bound to come around again soon.

"Floyd Collins" from STAGEright performs at Richard Hugo House through November 23rd. For tickets or information visit them online at www.seattlestageright.org.

Photo credit: Galen Wicks

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