American Repertory Theater Presents FLOYD COLLINS, Closes 10/2

The American Repertory Theater of Western New York will kick off its 2011-12 season with the Buffalo premier of FLOYD COLLINS September 16-October 2. The acclaimed stage musical by playwright Tina Landau and composer Adam Guettel is based on the true story of Floyd Collins, who was trapped in a Kentucky cave in 1925 and could not be rescued, despite a massive rescue effort that lasted two weeks. The tragedy received national publicity and attracted thousands of spectators to the rescue site, becoming one of the most sensational news events of the early 20th century.

"The show, at its core, is about dreams and family relationships," said director Jeffrey Coyle. "It is at times touching, funny and exciting. It is an excellent example of what modern musical theatre is."

Indeed, FLOYD COLLINS is one of the most challenging stage musicals ever written, with styles ranging from Americana to bluegrass, jazz and classical. Music and lyrics are by Adam Guettel, with additional lyrics by Tina Landau. Guettel, grandson of famed Broadway composer Richard Rodgers, is best known for composing the Tony Award-winning musical THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA.

Actor Steve Copps ("Knock ‘Em Dead," "The Lonesome West"), who plays the title Floyd, described the part as a dream role.

"There's a lot to it, as far as emotional range, depth and singing go," he said. "The biggest challenge is the fact that it's set in a cave. It's almost like doing an improv scene in a fishbowl; you can't go anywhere. It really makes you put your thinking cap on."

FLOYD COLLINS was inspired, in part, by the book TRAPPED! THE STORY OF FLOYD COLLINS, by historian Robert K. Murray and Roger W. Brucker, a noted cave explorer who has written extensively about caves and has consulted for National Geographic Television. Brucker will speak before the performance on Saturday, September 17, and take questions from the audience.

"This musical is brilliant," Brucker said. "Tina Landau and Adam Guettel did a superb job of capturing the essence of the historical Floyd Collins and the people who tried to save him. In spite of the morbid subject, it is a beautiful and uplifting production."

FLOYD COLLINS is directed by Jeffrey Coyle with musical direction by Allan Paglia. The show stars Steve Copps, Adam Yellen, JR Finan, Courtney Weather, Pamela Rose Mangus, Gary Darling, Dudney Jones, Steven Sitzman, Victor Morales, Erin Brignon, Christopher Andreana and Josh Snyder.

FLOYD COLLINS will run September 16-October 2 at the American Repertory Theater of Western New York, 1410 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14209. Tickets are $20 general admission or $15 for students, seniors and veterans. For more information, visit www.artofwny.com or call the box office at 716-634-1102.

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