Interview with Billy Ensley, director for Come From Away
TC: Pitch this show to a first-time theatre patron in one sentence
BE: "Come From Away" is the remarkable true story of the 7000 stranded airline passengers diverted on 9/11 to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland that welcomed them.
TC: Welcome back! What shows have you been involved in at Theatre Charlotte recently?
BE: In the recent past I have had the honor of directing "Something Rotten", "Next To Normal" and "The Drowsy Chaperone."
TC: What made you say yes to directing this show?
BE: Having been seeing shows, performing in shows, or directing shows at Theatre Charlotte since I was in my teens, Theatre Charlotte is a part of my DNA. I will always jump at the chance to be a part of a production here!
TC: Without giving anything away, what's one moment you can't wait for audiences to experience?
BE: It isn't a single moment in the show really, but I hope the audience experiences a renewed hope in humanity!
TC: What do you think will surprise audiences most?
BE: I think the audiences will be impressed with the cast. If ever there was an 'ensemble show' this one is it. The twelve performers rarely leave the stage, transitioning the stage from scene to scene, making small costume changes, and changing characters often. It is wonderful to watch this story take life and take flight with these performers!
TC: Why do you think this is the right story for audiences today?
BE: This show is exciting to be producing, especially in light of the fact that we will be opening on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11.
I personally find the timing of our production even more relevant due to current global uncertainty, military strikes, our country split in two politically and often socially, and the civil unrest in our country over who belongs and who doesn't.
"Come From Away" beautifully reminds us that we are at our very best when we connect across nationalities, personal identities, religious and political beliefs, and realize our collective responsibility to each other as humans. I intend for our production to make people think past all of today's "noise" and focus on a kinder, more giving nature by remembering what happened in Gander, their giving and caring nature towards the stranger, during a horrific national tragedy at home.
TC: Other than this one, what show are you most looking forward to in Season 99?
BE: This is a hard question! LOL