Show promises even Broadway is ‘850 strong’

Nov. 28--Caitlin McNeilage had recently graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and spent the summer doing a show in San Francisco. She was home in Bay County to visit her family for a few weeks when a certain tropical depression churning in the Gulf of Mexico became Hurricane Michael.

Now, the actor -- a graduate of Mosley High School -- has organized a Hurricane Michael benefit show at NYC's Feinstein's/54 Below that will support relief efforts back home.

"All of a sudden, we heard there was something forming in the Gulf, and as you know, being Floridians, we didn't think too much of it," McNeilage explained. "But as it got worse, we decided to go to my grandparents' house in Bonifay, where we always go for hurricanes."

When Michael was raised to a Category 4, the family further evacuated, driving through the night to stay with more family members in Atlanta. As McNeilage recalls, it was the right decision.

"A huge pine tree ended up falling on their house in Bonifay, so we were glad we left," she said. "But our house in Panama City is unlivable, so my mom is living at the beach currently. They've already taken our entire house down to the studs because we had water damage everywhere and big sections of missing roof. But we're thankful for insurance and good friends because we were able to save a lot of pictures and special items from inside, and our house will be rebuilt eventually."

McNeilage, who now resides in New York City, said she decided to extend her stay at home to help her mother get back on her feet, which allowed her to see firsthand how badly Panama City and surrounding communities were damaged.

"It was absolutely shocking and humbling to see it all for the first time," she said. "Streets that I grew up on and know like the back of my hand were suddenly unrecognizable. Our entire hometown looked like a bomb had gone off, and all the military vehicles and tents made it look like a war zone. It's something I'll never forget as long as I live."

One of the things that struck her most strongly, however, was the sight of people immediately getting to work to clear rubble and repair homes.

"Even though it was only a few days after the storm, people were already outside cleaning up debris and putting up plywood and helping neighbors clear trees," McNeilage said. "Our town was destroyed, but no one was going to just lay down and quit. The town immediately leapt into action and made sure they were helping one another in any way they could. As devastating as this was, it made me see the best in people. I'm really proud of the way our town reacted to such tragedy."

She has since returned to New York, but a trip home for Thanksgiving weekend showed her that the area still has a long road ahead before people can regain the lives they once lived. That was her inspiration to take her training and turn it toward relief efforts.

"Broadway is 850 Strong" will be a one-night-only event on Jan. 21, 2019, at a 147-seat venue in New York. It will feature Broadway stars (names still to be announced) singing inspirational songs, sharing stories of their own experiences with natural disasters, and showing support for the Florida Panhandle and all who are still suffering in the wake of Hurricane Michael.

"Panama City, you are NOT forgotten," McNeilage explained in a Facebook post about the event. "New York is here for you. Broadway is here for you."

After her post went viral, McNeilage said she was overwhelmed by the response. She also wanted to ensure that everyone understood who she was and why she was working on the event.

"I am from Panama City ... I'm not someone from NYC without personal attachment or understanding of the damage," she said. "I was home before and immediately after the storm, so I saw (and am continuing to see) the damage firsthand."

McNeilage named the event "Broadway is 850 Strong" to include everyone affected, as she knew residents of some of the smaller Panhandle towns struck by the storm feel forgotten: "But I have not forgotten you, and my intention is for the whole Panhandle to be mentioned and honored through this concert."

She also wanted to make it clear that the benefit was not being sponsored by a big corporation, charity or government program. The work is being done by her, some friends and family.

"It's truly just something I dreamed up to help my home through the thing I know best: art," she said. "So this may be a smaller fundraiser, I'm not sure. But I'm doing my best to make it as successful as possible. I know people are mad at the lack of help they are receiving from FEMA, government and other organizations ... I hear you, I see you, I understand you and I will do everything I can to help as many people in as many areas as possible."

Knowing the audience size would be limited, McNeilage has started working on a method for people to donate even if they can't attend the event. In the meantime, she urged everyone in the storm's impact zone to "keep showing the country what it means to be #850Strong."

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