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.
Stops along the journey
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 feedback. The time came to travel beyond the workshop format and share this moving theatre experience.
North Coast Repertory Theatre
Solana Beach, CA Mar 17 - 18 2025
“Thank you, Bob, for bringing your wonderful performance “In Some Dark Valley” to North Coast Rep. The audiences lucky enough to see it were very glad they did.”
- David Ellenstein, Artistic Director, North Coast Repertory Theatre
Pacific Resident Theatre
Venice, CA Feb 28 - Mar 9 2025
“Thank you for bringing your absolutely beautiful work to PRT! It has been a wonderful success and I am thrilled for you. I would be happy to bring the show back.”
- Marilyn Fox, Artistic Director, Pacific Resident Theatre
Actors’ Theatre
Santa Cruz, CA Nov 22 - 24 2024
Madnani Theatre
Hollywood, CA Jun 7 - 16 2024
Odyssey Theatre
Los Angeles, CA May 5 2024
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
“Inspired by Ibsen’s Brand, Robert Bailey has created a soul-searching depiction of a man called to preach repentance to his neighbors while struggling to reconcile his own personal decisions before God. Bailey gives a masterful performance filled with the voices, spoken and sung, of 19th century Appalachia. The transitions between characters are seamless, like a mountain stream over smooth stones, as Bailey brings to life each person’s witness. In Some Dark Valley is one of those rare works that asks the difficult questions of life with unflinching honesty and emotion.
— Reverend Greg Batson, First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica CA
“I have been doing theatre in one form or other for over 50 years. I have never been more moved as I was tonight seeing the absolute brilliance of Robert Bailey performing his one man show, which he wrote as well as performed in, In Some Dark Valley…I will never forget this exquisite work of theatre.”
— Helene Simkin Jara, actor, director, author
“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)
