From Here, 02 July 2024

From Here was treated rather unfairly by critics asserting that it focused too much on a white narrative, and did not accurately represent the devastation of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting on communities of color. Though it is true that most of the characters were white, in the spirit of evaluating a show for what it is and not what the audience wanted it to be, From Here was not a Tectonic Theater Project style representation of the full picture of an event. From Here honored and held space for one man’s journey. It was not a slice of life where everyone got their own story, but rather a touching memoir, where one man recounted his story – others were depicted through his eyes, as he saw them, which, in many cases was not fully fleshed out, because this was a one act, and that wasn’t the focus.

As a character, the protagonist went from overacting gay stereotypes to truly understanding what it means to be part of the queer community – the pain and heartbreak that extend beyond your mother, the love and the loss and the tears and the tissues – and the searing realization of one’s own mortality. Sometimes being openly queer feels like having a target on your back, and I related to Daniel (Blake Aburn) more and more as the character shed his performative qualities and let the audience see the very real pain underneath.

The show has cringy moments. I’d like to acknowledge that a lot of queer culture does. Queer culture is a rapidly changing, diverse spectrum of experiences where things that were once the life blood of being queer quickly become problematic, (ex. the Rocky Horror Picture Show now being considered insulting to transgender people). I actually enjoyed the moments of levity in From Here, including Jordan‘s (Michelle Coben) cabaret number and GAYME night. I was able to see them as what they were – small communities coming together for something that had to be a catch all and simultaneously worked for everybody and nobody.

Overall, the show is moving and touching, especially enhanced by the cast all being from Orlando. I really felt that Ricky (Onar Cardona) and Jordan (Michelle Coben) gave stand out performances, the audio was beautifully mixed, the harmonies and vocal textures were beautiful, and the story was simple and heartfelt. So yes, it had moments that were cheesy and sappy and quirky and nerdy, and, as critics often say, “not quite there yet“. But honestly, I’m here for it.

You don’t have to be from a place to see yourself inside of it. I saw myself in this story. I am silly and easily flustered and quirky. I try too hard. I forgive too easily. I laugh at jokes that aren’t funny. I seek out communities both for fabulous fun and supportive strength. I strive for acceptance, and often do find it in unexpected ways from unexpected people or places. In times of uncertainty, I have been privileged to lean on the queer community. They have been here for me. So yes, From Here is flawed. Aren’t we all? I’m still here for it.

I did not attend this performance on a press pass.