In Some Dark Valley: The Testimony of Reverend Brand
A fiery post Civil War Appalachian preacher driven by religious passion is challenged by the consequences of an unbending will.
“Thoroughly engrossing and emotionally overwhelming, it's a powerhouse showcase for writer–performer Robert Bailey. A phenomenal achievement!”
– Tom Lavagnino, award-winning playwright and screenwriter
Step into the mysterious world of Reverend Brand
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 solo performance grapples with the inevitable clash between an unyielding vision of moral rectitude and the tragic personal destruction it leaves in its wake. Bailey embodies multiple characters and sings captivating traditional songs handed down through generations of Southerners.
The 65-minute solo show, written and performed by Robert Bailey and directed by Billy Siegenfeld, pulls the audience into an experience that is both haunting and illuminating in its relevance to today.
Robert Bailey and Billy Siegenfeld collaborated for two-and-a-half years to develop the unique storytelling form of In Some Dark Valley, experimenting with text, characterization, placement of music, and staging. When presented to select audiences as a work-in-progress in 2023, the piece received strong support and positive audience feedback. The time has come to launch this moving theatre experience to a broader performance scope. The journey begins.
Next stops on the journey
Los Angeles
Thresholds of Invention
Odyssey Theatre
Sunday May 5 5pm
Los Angeles
Hollywood Fringe
Madnani Theatre
Friday June 7 9:30 pm
Los Angeles
Hollywood Fringe
Madnani Theatre
Saturday June 8 4 pm
Los Angeles
Hollywood Fringe
Madnani Theatre
Sunday June 16 2 pm
What People Are Saying
“Wonderful storytelling, with beautifully specific characterizations and strong direction by Billy Siegenfeld. It takes us on a journey.”
— Kate Burton, actor (Hedda Gabler, Grey’s Anatomy, Inventing Anna)
“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
“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)
“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)
“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)
