The Shaw Festival at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., is presenting its second musical of the season. "Floyd Collins" is not light. It is based on a true story. Floyd Collins, an avid cave explorer, lived on his family's farm. Though he opened his own cave, it never brought the kind of wealth and recognition he envisioned. In 1925, he set out to explore Sand Cave in hopes of finding a cavern or even a series of underground tunnels. He sings in glee at his discovery of a hidden cave and his cries echo underground. Then the ground shifts. He is trapped. His family and many others try to free him. The only person small enough to reach him is a newspaper reporter named William Burke Miller, who gives Floyd comfort and tries his best. Above ground, a virtual media circus materializes.
"Floyd Collins" is a contemporary musical. We hear strains of folk and bluegrass.
Acting is excellent, featuring Jay Turvey as Floyd, Glynis Ranney as Floyd's sister Nellie, Jeff Madden as his brother Homer, Sharry Flettas as his stepmother, Peter Millard as Floyd's father, and Jeff Lillico as Miller. Direction and choreography is by Eda Holmes, with musical direction by Paul Sportelli. William Schmuck's set design is unbelievable.
"Floyd Collins," a story of heroism and lost dreams, is an unusual and profound musical. It remains on stage at the Courthouse Theatre through Oct. 9.
Tickets are available online through the Shaw Festival Web site at www.shawfest.com.
| Niagara Falls Reporter | www.niagarafallsreporter.com | Sept. 28 2004 |