One moonlit night, Reverend Brand, a fiery post Civil War circuit preacher, emerges from the shadowy mountains of Appalachia to weave a tale of religious fervor set against a landscape scarred by war, poverty, and disease – a story born from a collective history that shines a light on rare moments of tender and resilient redemption. Robert Bailey’s performance grapples with the inevitable clash between an unyielding vision of moral rectitude and the tragic personal destruction it leaves in its wake.
In this 65-minute solo show, Bailey embodies multiple characters and sings captivating traditional songs handed down through generations of Southerners to pull the audience into an experience that is both haunting and illuminating in its relevance to today.
“A spell-binding, tour de force performance and a riveting tale about the allure and cost of religious fervor. Like the ghostly visitor he portrays, Robert Bailey grabs us by the lapels and pulls us into the shadowy secrets of one Appalachian town and the darkness of one preacher’s soul – illuminated by grace and the stirring melodies of traditional Southern music.”
— Matt Hoverman (Emmy-winning TV writer, playwright and founder of go-solo.org)
“Wonderful storytelling, beautifully specific characterizations. It takes us on a journey.”
— Kate Burton, actor (Hedda Gabler, Grey’s Anatomy, Inventing Anna)
“A striking fusion between actor and character: astonishing, beguiling, haunting and prophetic. The exploration of this seminal pioneer of a man is not just inspiring and uplifting, but fascinating and frightening, hilarious and healing, all at the same time.”
— Cotter Smith, actor (Unsinkable, Mindhunter, and X2: X-Men United)
“I immediately felt the preacher was caught in a place like the Bardo or Limbo or Purgatory, trying to justify the turns of his life. It’s a terrific piece that gave me chills watching it!”
— JoBeth Williams, actor (Poltergeist, The Big Chill, The Day After)
“Thoroughly engrossing and emotionally overwhelming, it’s a powerhouse showcase for writer/performer Robert Bailey and his evocation of a Job-like character and the timeless challenges he faces en route to a spiritual catharsis. A phenomenal achievement!”
— Tom Lavagnino, award-winning playwright and screenwriter
“From the very first moment, it had me. That’s my heritage: my grandfather is buried in Hatfield Cemetery. I know the tension between the hellfire and brimstone – and the hope, love, and light- offered in these little churches. I was very moved.”
— Mark Bryan, co-founder and co-author of The Artist’s Way
Learn More at insomedarkvalley.com
Production Team
