By Front Row Reviewers Staff
Sudan & Me: The Lost Boys Musicalwas produced for a very short run in Park City, Utah this last weekend to sold out crowds. A world premiere, I hope that it is able to be performed elsewhere, as this is an important, true, heart-rending piece. In the 1980’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s over 20,000 Sudanese boys found themselves orphaned and homeless as their country fought a civil war. Many found their way to refugee camps throughout Africa and 4000 eventually were placed in various major US. Cities. As one can imagine, integration into a new country and culture could not be easy. Sudan & Me: The Lost Boys Musical tells the story of just how difficult and hard life was for these children and young men spotlighting two brothers.
I have heard of the Lost Boys but did not know much about them and this musical definitely educated and enlightened me. I truly had no idea the hardships experienced by these youth. The musical begins during the war with two brothers, Deng Awan played by Vegaz Taelor, and Solomon Awan played by Tim Gallagher, being urged by their parents to flee into the jungle, not only for safety but also to avoid being captured and forced to become soldiers. Solomon and Deng witness their entire village being massacred, including their parents, because they are Christians. The brothers flee and spend weeks walking to a refugee camp. Not only were did they need to run from soldiers, they also were hunted by animals, and were forced to scavenge for food to avoid starvation. The boys had a strong desire to survive, and kept hearing their father’s voice telling them to “be something better”. This grit and determination got them to the camp. Taelor has a beautiful voice and I truly enjoyed listening to him sing his story. He puts such emotion and feeling into his performance he helps you understand the emotions Deng would have had. Gallagher displays great acting abilities and seamlessly transfers from adult Solomon to seven-year-old Solomon. Their voices blend well, and their harmony extends to both singing and acting.
The boys are met at the refugee camp by U.N. workers Michaela and Rob Lang. The Langs, played by Peg Tan and Nick Massarella, share a tender moment in a beautiful song called “Far” when they decided to extend their original three-year tour by another three years. Tan and Massarella truly seem genuine and believable in their desire to help the 230,000 refugees. After spending 14 years in a refugee camp, Solomon and Deng are among the lucky 4000 that have the chance to start a new life in the U.S., thanks largely to Michaela’s efforts.
Life in the United States is not easy for the 4000 Lost Boys, 89 of whom are female. As Deng explained, he was welcomed when he first arrived, but that help and welcome disappeared in the first year. Deng finds love in a young woman, Marina Casey. Katy Leslie brings the character of Marina to life and not only does she sing like an angel, the raw emotion she displays when begging Deng not to return to Sudan is real and refreshing.
One of the highlights of the show was the entire cast telling the audience we all have two hands: one to help ourselves and one to help a friend. They even got the audience to clap and sing along. The ensemble was full of talented individuals and I loved the bright costumes worn by the actors representing the refugees. Amber Howard, Child Soldier, is a standout with her melodious singing and the intensity she brings to the production. My eyes were drawn to her even when she was not centerstage.
Sudan & Me: The Lost Boys Musical was written and composed by Tanya Taylor and Todd Bigatel. Taylor also played the piano and sang while Bigatel provided accompaniment on the guitar. Taylor started off the show explaining how she met Solomon and was driven to tell his story. She wrote a poem, which was the catalyst for the musical and shared it. She is a beautiful and talented woman with an even more beautiful heart; sharing the story of the Lost Boys and challenging each of us to understand that change only happens when we choose to be better.
Taylor and Bigatel created a six-part podcast sharing Sudan & Me and provide the link on www.tanyataylor.com. Since you may not have been able to attend a production, I recommend listening to the podcast, and learn the incredible story of the Lost Boys and how we can all be something better. And we hope to see Sudan & Me again soon. This is a story that needs to be told and re-told.
Tanya Taylor Productions presents Sudan & Me: The Lost Boys Musical by Tanya Taylor and Todd Bigatel
February 15-16, 2019 7:00 PM, February 16, 2019 2:00 PM
O.P. Rockwell Room, 268 Main Street, Park City, Utah 84060
Tickets: $20
Tanya Taylor Productions Website
Sudan & Me Facebook Event
Note: This production is for patrons 21 and over.
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