Floyd Collins

 Floyd Collins
Lincoln Center Theater
at the Vivian Beaumont
May 10, 2025

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The Lincoln Center Theater production of Floyd Collins is touching, bold, and absorbing.  Adam Guettel’s score captures the Kentucky setting and the 1925 time period.  His music delivers the emotions of each character, illuminating the urgency of their traumatic experience.  Director Tina Landau, who also wrote the book, creates an encompassing atmosphere for the story.  The characters are fully dimensional, driven by strong objectives that create active conflict that builds throughout the show.  This is not an easy story to tell, and this cast and creative team tell it beautifully. 

Floyd Collins (played by Jeremy Jordan) spends his time exploring underground caves, seeking a cavern with immeasurable magnificence.  He plans on claiming it and opening it to the public to enjoy and spend money on visits.  He calls out in the darkness of the underground spaces, listening for a delayed echo.  When he finally finds one, he also finds himself trapped under a large limestone boulder.  People come from miles to help with his rescue.  Over the seventeen days he is trapped underground, the story of his rescue efforts spreads throughout the country.

Jason Gotay & Jeremy Jordan
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The songs composed for the character of Floyd Collins are stunning, and Jeremy Jordans voice rings
with clarity and emotion.  It’s as if they were written especially for him.  Jason Gotay plays Floyd’s brother, Homer.  They develop an endearing bond.  Their characters are distinctly different, making their relationship genuine and honest.  Lizzy McAlpine portrays their fragile sister Nellie.  Deep within her breakable exterior lies the rock that her brothers rely on.  When these three skilled actors join in song, magic happens.  Taylor Trensch plays reporter, Skeets Miller.  His character is quirky and likeable.  He matures because of his participation in the rescue effort, carrying the action forward to the end of the story.    

The vast stage of the Vivian Beaumont theater is purposefully and efficiently utilized.  Lighting creates the claustrophobic underground spaces.  This effectively contrasts with the openness of the scenes on the surface.  The staging is simple and extraordinary.  The cast of fifteen is amazing. 

Floyd Collins is playing at the Vivian Beaumont Theater through June 22.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza