Set in fictional Meyerville, Ill., this bittersweet musical explores one small town's struggle against the rising Mississippi River. The work is based on actual research conducted by Princeton University students in Valmeyer, Ill., after the 1993 flood that devastated it. Workshopped in 2001 and again in 2003, The Flood is certainly timely, given such recent disasters as the Southeast Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. But despite the best efforts of a large, energetic, committed cast and some memorable songs, such as the beautifully harmonic, haunting "The Song of the Cicadas," the mostly soft rock/pop ballad score by creators Peter Mills and Cara Reichel (who also directs) runs on far too long, causing the show to lose steam. The Flood is also in need of a choreographer to stage the musical numbers.
Fortunately, there are a number of standouts in the cast. Talented Matt DeAngelis is Raleigh, the mayor's 17-year-old son, who works part-time in his father's fertilizer store but longs for escape and adventure. His "Highway Miles" number, though reminiscent of "Something's Coming," is a highlight. A'lisa D. Miles personifies the River with her rich, exquisite singing voice and miming. Catherine Porter employs her lovely belting soprano in a contained, understated turn as a schoolteacher, and Jonathan Rayson offers an equally convincing and well-sung performance as her farmer boyfriend. Jennifer Blood is deeply moving as Rosemary, a 15-year-old mentally challenged girl, and Jamie Davis' relaxed, naturalistic acting and beautiful clear soprano make Rosemary's older sister, Alice, a high school girl in the throes of first love, a rare delight.
Set designer Kanae Heike's wooden staircases and shelves of colorful bottles provide the perfect Americana background. But despite the undeniable talent on display, ultimately The Flood drowns in its imitative, overwritten, and insufficiently dramatic score.
Presented by Prospect Theater Company at the American Theatre of Actors' Chernuchin Theatre, 314 W. 54th St., NYC. Oct. 23-Nov. 19. Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. (Additional performance Sat., Nov. 18, 2 p.m. No performance Wed., Nov. 1.) (212) 352-3101 or www.theatermania.com.