NAMT Announces 2024-2025 Writers Residency Grant Winners: Driving New Musicals Forward

Floyd Collins Prepares for Broadway: Jeremy Jordan Stars in Gripping Story

Update The Return of Floyd Collins: A Broadway Premiere Like No Other The anticipation is palpable as the Broadway premiere of Floyd Collins approaches. This acclaimed musical, which tells the gripping true story of a cave explorer trapped underground in 1925, is set to begin previews on March 27 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, with an official opening on April 21. Directed by the talented Tina Landau and featuring music and lyrics by Adam Guettel, the show is poised to captivate both new audiences and die-hard fans of musical theater. Inspiring Curiosity: The Story Behind the Musical Floyd Collins embarked on his journey of ambition in the Sand Cave of Kentucky, intending to transform this natural wonder into a tourist attraction. However, his dream turned into a nightmare when he became trapped 200 feet below the earth's surface during a cave-in. As the rescue efforts garnered national media attention—turning his plight into a sensationalist circus—Collins struggled for survival, revealing the dark side of the American dream. Star-Studded Cast Brings the Story to Life Headlining the cast is the talented Jeremy Jordan, taking on the role of Floyd Collins, with his impressive vocals showcased in his performance of “The Call.” Jordan's participation marks a significant moment in his career, as he brings a cult favorite to the Broadway stage, fulfilling a dream shared by many musical theater enthusiasts. Joining him are notable talents such as Lizzy McAlpine as Nellie Collins and Jason Gotay as Homer Collins, ensuring a powerful performance that honors the legacy of the original musical. The Musical's Unique Development and Acclaimed History Floyd Collins originally premiered in the mid-1990s, yet its dramatic themes and evocative score by Guettel have secured its reputation as a groundbreaking work in musical theater. With a blend of folk and bluegrass influences, the music evokes a poignant sense of place and emotion, perfectly fitting the era it portrays. The show also highlights the societal obsession with fame and media, prompting audiences to reflect on the consequences of such pursuits. Bringing Together Past and Present This production will not only present the musical's emotional depth but also resonate with contemporary issues, such as the relentless nature of media scrutiny and the fragility of human ambition. Historical context will play a crucial role in understanding Collins's story, creating a powerful parallel between his time and today’s climate of social media and instant news. What’s Next for Floyd Collins? As Floyd Collins gears up for opening night, theatergoers can look forward to a remarkable performance that bridges history and artistry. This production has captured the attention of Broadway aficionados eager for an emotive story that promises laughter, tears, and reflection on the American dream's complexity. Ultimately, the return of Floyd Collins to Broadway not only revives a cherished narrative but invites new conversations about ambition, legacy, and survival against the odds. Will you be part of this journey as the curtains rise on one of musical theater's most anticipated events?