By BETI TRAUTH
Beacon Correspondent
The Humboldt Beacon, Thursday, January 13th, 2000
Floss not only did the adaptation of the book, but also directs and stars in the one-man version of this fascinating material. Entitled 'The Traveller" and presented by the Pacific Art Center Theatre in Eureka's World Premiere Theatre through Jan. 29, the production may be staged in other local theaters sometime in the future.
I saw the initial staged reading that Floss did of this new work earlier last year at Plays-In-Progress and was very impressed with the potential of a fully realized stage production, and with Floss' passionate performance of the vivid, descriptive language of his future "script."
The finished product did not disap point. I do wish, however, that Floss had not used the back of the play's pro gram for this premiere performance te air some personal grievances about funding for this project; it was not the appropriate place to do so. What is important now is the final product that is on stage, not the obstacles that were overcome to get it there.
"The Traveller" is a time traveller's tale of a strangely beautiful and eerily dangerous world in the far future. Although I feel that the first half of the show still needs to be tightened up with some editing, knocking off at least five minutes of playing time, the story and Floss' acting are intriguing on all levels.
Ronn Campbell's marvelous period set and his intricate lighting design (including the unseen but real "time machine") are quite wonderful, as are Jon Turney's sometimes startling special sound effects and the musical underscore chosen by David Cash. Light and sound board operators Carole Wolfe and Armeda Celestine really have to stay on their toes to handle the tricky cues that make it all work.
Technical Director Joe Donovan is to be applauded for coordinating his crew so well. This is one show where, quite literally, every moment counts.
Authentic period costumes are essential and Beth Lanzi's complement the proceedings with a wardrobe for Floss that goes from elegant to tattered, and back. However, he manages to look good, no matter what he wears. His character is always visually believable.
Also believable are the emotional levels which actor Floss slowly uncovers in expertly subtle ways, evolving from a curious and detached Victorian man-of-science to a caring and compassionate human being who is capable of deep remorse and love.
It is a painful journey with an unknown culmination, but seems to have strong possibilities of potential personal success. It's also a grand adventure, with all of the thrills and chills of an old-time movie serial cliffhanger. The story line has no real ending; it is open to whatever we choose to make it.
Even though this is definitely a one man show, Pamela Lyall makes a brief-but-delightful appearance. (without saying a word) as the housekeeper, Mrs. Watchett. Lanzi's outfit for her is whimsical and perfect, topped with a supremely silly hat that will make you smile.
There is much to be learned about the extreme potentials--both good and evil--of human nature that stems from the genius of H.G. Wells' observations that still hold true in this day and age.
With a lot of vision and hard work, Floss has taken that literary foundation and created a completely entertaining piece of theater, and as an actor, he delivers a personal tour de force perfonmance that is capable of captivating an audience from start to finish.