Jeremy Jordan stars as “Floyd Collins” in the new Broadway musical at Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater, which sheds light on the tragic life of 37-year-old Floyd Collins.
It is based on the book, additional lyrics and direction by Tina Landau, as well as the music and lyrics by Adam Guettel. Ted Sperling served as the conductor of the orchestra. This Lincoln Center Theater production marks the long-awaited Broadway debut of this modern-day classic.
“Floyd Collins” is inspired by true events. Floyd is a cave explorer in Kentucky back in 1925. While chasing a dream of fame and fortune by turning Sand Cave into a tourist attraction, Floyd himself becoming the attraction when he gets trapped 200 feet underground.
Alone but for sporadic contact with the outside world, including his brother Homer, Floyd fights for his sanity – and, ultimately, his life – as the rescue effort above explodes into the first genuine media circus.
Reporters and gawkers from across the country descend on the property, fueling the hysteria and manipulating the nation into holding its collective breath.
Jason Gotay is a triumph as Floyd’s loyal and suave brother Homer Collins. Lizzy McAlpine — in her Broadway debut — is sensational as their sister Nellie, a siren with a honey-rich voice, who is full of positivity.
Wade McCollum, Clyde Voce, and Cole Vaughn play Floyd’s friends and neighbors Bee Doyle, Ed Bishop, and Jewell Estes respectively, who are trying their best to get him out the cave. Taylor Trensch is impressive as the local news reporter Skeets Miller.
In this performance, the role of Lee Collins was played by Kevin Bernard (in lieu of Marc Kudisch) and he was noteworthy in it. Jessica Molaskey is endearing and the voice of reason as Lee’s latest wife, Miss Jane.
Tony-nominated Broadway producer Tom D’Angora remarked, “This is a first class production with a tour de force performance by the always brilliant Jeremy Jordan.”
“The show ‘Floyd Collins’ was absolutely beautiful. The music, the lighting, and the performances were all stunning. I was especially moved by Jeremy Jordan’s portrayal of Floyd,” jazz singer-songwriter Izze Stein expressed.
The Verdict
Overall, “Floyd Collins” is a riveting and unflinching musical from start to finish, performed at Lincoln Center, which will hit the audience like a shot in the heart.
Jeremy Jordan is gloriously transformative in this titular role, which is emotionally, psychologically, and physically taxing.
“Floyd Collins” is a stirring and melancholic exploration of the American dream by Tina Landau and a glorious folk, country, Americana and bluegrass-inspired musical score by Adam Guettel, as the actors (led by Jeremy Jordan) tell the transcendent tale of a true American dreamer in a bold, brave, and organic manner.
Due to its heavy nature, this is the quintessential Broadway show to see on the same day as a more lighthearted one such as “Buena Vista Social Club,” “BOOP!” and “John Proctor is the Villain” so that there can be a balance (especially on a Wednesday or Saturday, where both matinee and evening shows are offered on the same day).
“Floyd Collins” garners four out of five stars. Well done.
