Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Another exuberating solo show has been born during the recent pandemic and in line with the ponderosity of that time, the story of ‘IN SOME DARK VALLEY: The Testimony of Reverend Brand’, takes us into another period of existence of great difficulties. The story is set in post-Civil War Appalachia, known as the great ‘Dark Valley’, where the cruelty of war took many lives and the heaviness of time dips into the mystery of God and the beginning of human race with its Biblical story of Adam and Eve and their multiplying.
It all started in 2021 and the love for singing. The collaboration between Robert Bailey (writer/performer) and his friend Billy Siegenfeld (director) was mostly done via Zoom at the beginning. Based on the plot of ‘Brand’, Henrik Ibsen’s 1866 poem about the act of combustion by preacher who questioned his fate, and has wonders what God looks like? Does God show us mercy by making us afraid or does it protect us from the dark valleys. By opening the door to calamity caused by major misfortune and loss of his young son and his beloved wife, Reverend Brand decides to make Heaven his home while still on this plane of existence. The Spiritual Awakening and personal salvation illuminate his colorful performance, while telling the story and especially when singing. His voice is so pleasing; one does not want him to stop.
The portrayal of multiple characters in the story are embodied by Bailey with precision and strong body language. His vocal variety for each character is expressed with ease and power. When singing the original songs from the South, accompanied at times by enchanting sounds of the French harp, the audience is transformed into that time completely. The physicality is fantastic and his eyes following the movement of some characters is captivating. Robert Bailey has been a member of the faculty at the University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts in LA since 2010. Three of his students and another colleague – a teacher came to see his brilliant work and gave him support and appreciation he deserves. Great job!
Director Billy Siegenfeld is the founder, artistic director, writer, choreographer, and musical arranger of the theatre company Jump Rhythm®. His creative, skillful direction in this production is expressed with full impact on everyone. His simple, almost totally bear stage, with mostly dimmed lights – is exactly what this play needs.
In Some Dark Valley: The Testimony of Reverend Brand premiered at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in 2024 where it won the Best of the Fringe TVO Award and the 2024 LA Gem Award for Outstanding Dramatic Performer (male). By caring about the storyline and appreciating the feedback Bailey is on top of the game and makes adjustments if there is a need. That is why his work is like a train; the train stops to recharge and gets back into action.
Produced by Cori Allison the show is presented by Moving Arts Theatre, 3191 Casitas Ave., in Atwater from August 16 – Sept 7, 2025. After this past weekend’s performance, the show is taking a two-week hiatus, and will be back on September 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 8:00 pm.
Running time is 65 minutes.
Parking for all the shows is in the P/2 lot at 3161 Casitas Ave. Look for the Green P/2 sign and you will find the spacious parking lot with clear and easy access to the theater. https://movingartspresents.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200487819
Media Contact: Anita Lee Publicity | a.lee@anitaleepublicity.com or 818-416-1628