How’d ya get so “Fly”?

“History is the river we stand in,” says Chet (Charlie Hudson III), to an already captive audience in the Crossroads Theatre production of “Fly.”

The play by artistic director Ricardo Khan and novelist/screenwriter Trey Ellis follows the journeys of four young African-American men in America’s first group of black military airmen, the “Tuskegee Airmen.” Omar Edwards’ decidedly moving tap dance performance begins the show, to a video backdrop of the unit’s history.Despite superiors determined to break them down and force them out of their training, and through a slew of internal struggles stemming from their desire for fellowship butting heads with their desire to succeed, they demonstrated unyielding determination, faith, loyalty, drive, and intelligence.

“Fly” drew the audience in with a production that felt more like a movie than any I’ve attended. The triumphs and the terrors of this brave troop of men were brought to life for a generation whose lives have just barely skimmed by the racial tensions of the past, with much credit due to the outstanding performance of dancer Edwards. The cousin to Savion Glover and a success in his own right was a novel tool to portray the strongest of emotions among the characters, to guide the audience through the ups and downs of the journey,.

Towards the end of the play, when the men are finally in Germany, flying fighter planes, I was riveted.  As a young family man, expecting a baby back in Iowa, Oscar (Royce Johnson) stole my heart.  So full of love and anger, teeming with resolve and pride, he reminded me of some of the men I love most in my own life.

Another credit is due to Turron Kofi Alleyne. I couldn’t stand his character, W.W., whose cockiness too well reminded me of some men I’ve known. Yet, by the end of the play I found love for him; for all his faults, he was inherently good and he loved with all his heart.

Despite the fact that both of the previous productions I’ve attended at Crossroads were festival shows, I was impressed each time.  But “Fly” surpassed my expectations.  It was well rounded, touching, beautiful, and inspirational. 

The actors were phenomenal, the direction and choreography noteworthy, and the stage effects had me literally at the edge of my seat. I only wish the show could have run longer so I could come to know these characters even deeper.

Best of all, I’m not the only one.  On opening night, two documented veterans of the Tuskegee Airmen were present and came bringing gifts for the actors. They deserved it, as Khan and Ellis deserve any accolade, for producing such an honest, heartfelt, and tributary performance.

“Fly” is running through October 17 and tickets can be purchased at www.crossroadstheatrecompany.org or at the box office at 7 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick.