Arts in Chicago - "Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky" at the Goodman Theatre

The Goodman Theater stages the musical-drama "Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky" directed Michael Wilson, a story of a man who feels he is at the end of his road and a woman at the beginning of hers. Floyd, played by David Cale who also authored the story, is a down and out musician who has lost hope. Having given up on life he lives in his car drinking and occasionally writing melancholy songs. Enter Clea, played by Faryl Millet, a vivacious young woman who intuits that she will one day be a successful musician. Their open and honest friendship serves as a source of strength to each other; Clea gives Floyd renewed hope and Floyd gives Clea compassion. Both Cale and Millet are excellent in their roles, they inhabit their characters. The story is interwoven with songs suited to the context, making this drama particularly entertaining. I found one of the songs lyrics especially poignant, a song about seeking "an uncluttered mind". I relate to this seemingly simple notion; the need to clear one's mind, experiencing each bright shining moment as it truly is: the miracle of existence itself. Runs 9-Apr, 2005 through 8-May, 2005. Highly recommended. 4 Stars ****.