FLOYD COLLINS to Open in June at 1st Stage

The caves of the Appalachian Mountains were largely unexplored and filled with mystery when Floyd Collins, an already notable cave explorer, sought to generate more tourist activity at his family's cave by discovering a new entrance in Kentucky's Mammoth Cave system. In January of 1925, Collins' left leg became pinned under a rock, trapping him 200 feet underground. The region erupted in a media circus, drawing reporters and tourists from across the country to wait with bated breath as rescuers, engineers, and Collins' own family worked tirelessly over 16 days to free Floyd from the pit. The media sensation reached new heights and rivaled the desperation of the family to free their loved one. This dichotomy is beautifully explored through the folk/bluegrass song stylings that make Floyd Collins a wholly unique musical adventure. Experience the story that moved a nation to hold its collective breath and root for the survival of one of America's great dreamers.

The 1st Stage production of be Floyd Collins by Tina Landau, Music and Lyrics by Adam Guettel, Additional Lyrics by Tina Landau features Hasani Allen, Frank Britton, Evan Casey, Maggie Donnelly, Ben Lurye, Edward C. Nagel, Jennifer Lyons Pagnard, Scott Sedar, Russell Silber, Joshua Simon, Harrison Smith, John Sygar, and Carl Williams. Nick Olcott directs the production.

The design team includes: scenic design by Jos. B. Musumeci, costume design by Robert Croghan, lighting design by Brian S. Allard, sound design by Kenny Neal, choreography by Michael Bobbitt and Rachel Dolan, and music direction by William Yanesh.

Floyd Collins will run at 1st Stage from June 2-26, 2016 with show times as follows: Thursday at 7pm (first weekend only), Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2pm and 7pm. There will be no 7pm performance on Sunday, June 5, 2016.

General admission tickets are $35. Senior (65+) tickets are $31. Student and military tickets are $15.

Tickets, gift certificates, and Flex Passes can be purchased online at www.1ststagetysons.org or by calling the 1st Stage box office at 703-854-1856.

The run time is approximately 2.5 hours with one fifteen-minute intermission.

Editors: Press performances are Saturday, June 4 at 8pm and Sunday, June 5, at 2pm.

Please email the box office at boxoffice@1ststagetysons.org for reservations.

Floyd Collins is the final play in 1st Stage's eighth season. Learn more about Season 9 by visiting www.1ststagetysons.org. Subscriptions and Flex Passes are available for savings of up to 20% off regular price tickets. Tickets, Subscriptions, and Flex Passes can be purchased online at www.1ststagetysons.org or by calling the 1st Stage box office at 703-854-1856.