Dark Musical Emerges In Bright Performances

If you're looking to spend an evening enjoying a happy-go-lucky musical, do not attend the latest production of the Hard Bargain Players. On the other hand, if you are into well-done, dark musicals that inspire some deeper emotions, "Floyd Collins" is right up your alley.

The script by Tina Landau is based on the true events of Floyd Collins, a caver in rural Kentucky in 1925. He had big dreams of getting rich by finding a huge cave that would appeal to tourists. Collins went underground and found the cave of his dreams, but before he could extract himself and share it with the world, his body became wedged in a shaft where he spent his final 17 days.

The story is not exactly the stuff of a typical musical theater experience, and the music by Adam Guettel is not your usual fare. Some might call it bluegrass, but the discordant harmonies don't come across as music at all.

That's not to say the actors can't handle it; all have strong voices, and it is evident that musical director James D. Watson spent hours working with them on the challenging score. Rather, the style and difficulty of the arrangements just aren't pleasing to the ear much of the time. Music aside, the script is powerful, and director Brooke Howells makes the most of it.

As Floyd, Jeff Paden delivers a compelling performance. His enthusiasm is contagious, and you are caught up instantly in his dream of finding the perfect cave. Paden's voice is fantastic, and while the music might not move you, his performance will. He vacillates between hope and despair, hallucination and reality, and is believable every second.

It is an incredibly demanding role, physically and emotionally. Paden is onstage and in character every minute of the show, including the 15-minute intermission. In fact, he is on his feet for all but just a few minutes. He is a marvel in this role that seems to highlight every aspect of his considerable talent.

The supporting cast doesn't disappoint. Michael J. Margelos plays Homer, who cares deeply for his brother and tries valiantly to set him free. Homer gets caught up in the media attention the case attracts, and Margelos depicts a man torn between making it big and saving his sibling. Musically, Margelos's voice is well suited to the higher harmonies the role demands, and his character interpretations are on the money.

Mike Mortenson plays cub reporter Skeets Miller with the right mix of journalistic intent and humanity. As the last person to see Collins alive, Miller is pivotal in delivering an emotional punch, and Mortenson puts a fine point on it.

As Floyd's father, John Kirby turns in a nice performance as well. Brian Donahue is commanding as H.T. Carmichael, the man who incorrectly believes he can engineer Collins's escape from the cave. Marina Sanchez is noticeably young to play Collins's stepmother. Some makeup and hair alterations might have helped. Despite her age, her performance is enjoyable, and her singing voice blends nicely with Kristen Page-Kirby's in one of the few pretty tunes of the show.

The other song that stands out is sung by Brian Merritt, Derek Pickens and Rob White as three reporters who work hard to churn out a tabloid-type story. It's a fun number, and the uncomplicated choreography adds a nice touch.

Brooke Howells and John Merritt's set design is strong. Powerful in its simplicity, it evokes the feeling of being deep underground. The actors make the most of it, believably getting wedged in at the right spots and "breaking through" in others. April Weimer's lighting design is mostly effective, but several times actors were in the dark when they should have been lit. That may have been just opening-night mistakes. The sound design deserves a mention, especially the "echoes" within the cave. It is extremely well done.

Most musicals have a song or two that you hum on your way to your car. "Floyd Collins" is not that kind of music and not that kind of show. But you might leave with a deeper appreciation for musicals that don't follow the beaten path, and you'll definitely leave feeling that you just witnessed some very fine talent.

"Floyd Collins" will be performed at 8 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday at the Amphitheater at Hard Bargain Farm, 2001 Bryan Point Rd., Accokeek. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for students, seniors and Alice Ferguson Foundation members. For reservations, call 301-392-9901 or e-mailreservations@hbplayers.org. For information, visithttp://www.hbplayers.org.