Floyd Collins.

The early buzz about "Floyd Collins" at The Beaumont, Lincoln Center was luke warm at best. The musical, however, has gained tremendous steam over the last few weeks and it should! With incredible sets, costumes, singing and dancing, "Floyd Collins" is a must see!

Set in Kentucky, 1925, Floyd, (Jeremy Jordon) loves exploring new caves for minerals. He likes exploring more than the money it makes him. Happy- go- lucky, he moves about the sensational stage like a snake in the trees. Under Tina Landau's direction (she also wrote the book), Jordon moves about the expansive stage with such grace. His movements reminded me of the lead male in "Great Gatsby" and then I remembered that it was him as well! Jordon can not only sing, his movements on stage are second to none.

As Floyd gets trapped in one of the shafts is when the plot takes on many different directions. Collins being trapped has hit 1,200 papers around the country and garnered 30,000 spectators. His family has reached stardom of some note. It is only his father and his sister that have never taken their eyes off of what is most important... getting Floyd out of the cavern.

With exceptional lighting by Scott Zielinski and sound by Dan Moses Schreier, the musical moves us in different emotional directions: sometimes carnival, sometimes somber; but always locked in tight as far as giving us a top notch plot. Anita Yavich capture the mid 1920's perfectly with her costumes; she brings us back to the era as does the fantastic sets and projections.

Under Music and Lyrics by Adam Guettel, additional Lyrics by Tina Landau, the songs are the strong undercurrent toward the plot. Songs like: "The Call", "Lucky", "Heart and Hand", "The Riddle Song". "The Carnival", "Get Comfortable", "The Dream" and "How Glory Goes" keep the audience engrossed on the show. At two hours and a half, the show does get a bit slow half way through the first act. The shows theme itself is not overly exciting, so, the plot and music need to be great if it is to be successful.

In Landau's writing, she is creative in bringing out human nature. Rather than worry about a man who is trapped in the cavern, 30,000 people gather to celebrate almost. More concerned with the pomp and circumstance, the family opens a cafe at the sight in which Floyd is trapped 150 feet below. The press has mobbed the area and is eager to get the breaking story first. A carnival is set up just outside the press area.

The writing/direction brings forth the family, there hopes, wishes and dreams. In Skeets Miller (Taylor Trensch), a reporter who was first out for the breaking story is now all in to save Floyd. He ventures down the cavern many times risking his own life to save him from death. Where Floyd's brother Homer is desperate to save Floyd,but it becomes Skeets who has become close to the star. Saving Floyd is more important than the story.

Floyd has been in tight situations before, as he realizes his efforts are fruitless, he reconciles his life. He is happy about the way he lived his life with little regret. He starts out likeable, and in the end he is lovable.

"Floyd Collins" come Tony time will be a major contender. The behemoth stage, the staging itself, Jeremy Jordon, a great ensemble cast all make this a must see!

Floyd Collins, Lincoln Center, LTC, Jeremy Jordon, Tony Awards, The Lion King, Wicked, Alladin, Broadway, The high costs of Broadway Tickets, Johnathan Groff, Dead Outlaw.