A Standing Ovation for In Some Dark Valley
Mesmerizing. Inspired. Awesome. Those were some of the reactions to Robert Bailey’s solo performance of “In Some Dark Valley – The Testimony of Reverend Brand,” which he wrote and brings to life through song and storytelling. The award-winning traveling play opened at the June Bug Center last night with a second performance scheduled for tonight, Saturday, June 11 at 7 p.m. It’s highly recommended.
Musician Scott Ainsley warmed up the audience with music that beautifully set the stage for the post-Civil War period piece, set in the Appalachian Mountains. Listen HERE.
Bailey played all the characters: the reverend, his wife, a wild child, a black neighbor and friend, a mayor and more. His performance was so believable it caused audience member Anni Ellis to refer to Bailey as a shapeshifter. “He was amazing, and the music and sound effects were so seamless. The timing was impeccable,” she said.
Ellis and others met and spoke with Bailey after the play. She told him, “You became each person and it was so clear to know who that person was as soon as you altered yourself to be them.” She was especially impressed that the play was “of this region.”
“This was my first opportunity to do it in this south,” Bailey said. “Well, it was successful. You nailed it,” Ellis said. The audience agreed. They gave the performance a standing ovation.
Pictured above from left to right: This blogger Colleen Redman, who wrote a story about the play for the Floyd Times HERE; Sudha Wilburn, friend and hostess who spread the word; Bob Bailey star of the show who grew up in Richmond VA but lives in CA now; and John Robinson play producer.