Dealing with complicated, painful emotions within the embrace of a supportive community is exactly what stage director Vanessa El-Zein is capturing in her debut musical showcase that she has written and directed. With “Torn Apart, Together,” El-Zein takes us through an artful journey of love, inner turmoil, pain, and acceptance with the underlying theme being the togetherness we all can share when we’re going through our worst of times.

During rehearsal on a chilly Monday night, my heart was warmed by the passion that surged through the auditorium. The respect that the cast felt for El-Zein was palpable. Not only was she organized and poised but wonderfully gentle—a true kindness radiated from her.

Being a Dearborn native, El-Zein is well acquainted with the local theatre and music scene and has contributed to it immensely. With a bachelor’s degree in music from Eastern Michigan University, El-Zein developed the love for musical theatre that started in high school, where it followed her from when she played Ursula in “The Little Mermaid,” all the way to becoming the musical director of “In the Heights,” when it was performed at the Ford Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.

Being of Lebanese descent, El-Zein stated that this showcase is a “place where we can [all] heal together and be together. We can make art despite everything going on outside.” She adds, “In a time of darkness, it has been lovely to be surrounded by people who understand.” El-Zein emphasizes how theatre can be cathartic, not only for the performer, but for the audience as well.

El-Zein is proud of the growth in her cast. She said, “I am so proud to see people become confident in themselves and to start to find their voice.” She told me a story about a young student of hers who would hide under the table during their music rehearsals, refusing to open up out of fear.
After years of work, he is now comfortable in the spotlight, a member of her choir, and even getting lead roles in musical theatre outside of her leadership. Reflecting on the students she teaches, El-Zein said, “They are my world.”

The cast of “Torn Apart, Together” exuded excitement about being in the showcase and had inspiring things to share about El-Zein.

Jovon Jawad, who plays Rod, said that El-Zein “opened [his] eyes to be more genuine.”

Faye Randall, who is part of the ensemble, said, “I love working with her and I feel like I’ve learned a lot about myself as a person.” Randall added, “I’ve learned a lot about what I’m capable of, as far as my vocals and musical ability.”

Kamilah “Sunshine” Foster, who is part of the ensemble in “Torn Apart, Together,” and has a solo performance from “Waitress” in the show, expressed, “It’s a delight [working with Vanessa.] It’s refreshing because she’s young. She’s very innovative, smart, and understanding. She’s very loving and, you know, letting you be you.”

Hannah Whitaker said “She’s a wonderful director and leader. She makes every rehearsal feel so safe.” Whitaker said El-Zein creates “a space to explore and have a voice.”

Not only do the actors shed light on El-Zein’s inspiration for their vocal talent but she also creates a safe, welcoming space for transgender actors experiencing vocal changes. Two transgender actors, Malakai Cano and Indigo Devito, expressed gratitude and safety in El-Zein’s guidance. Cano observed, “I think she’s taught me how to use my voice better, especially since I went on testosterone.”

Devito expressed how he shoved away the idea of musical theatre due to the negative environments he experienced and the vocal dysphoria of being a trans actor. Devito felt comfortable to be “very open with Vanessa about going through vocal changes.” He continued to share how El-Zein was more than willing to help him through this transition and created a very warm and encouraging environment.

On the day of the show, the auditorium was buzzing with anticipation. Family and friends were glowing in the audience alongside the warmly lit paper hearts hanging above the stage. “Torn Apart, Together” began with a gripping ensemble piece called “Mama Who Bore Me” from the production “Spring Awakening.” The song was led by talented singer, Meriam Jeradi, in a choreographed number about the turmoil faced by a mother who gives you “no way to handle things.”

With the song, “Mama Who Bore Me,” Randall stated, “I’m really wanting to convey sort of an inner battle between peace and calm as well as frustration and anger; trying to let go of and grieve the childhood that you could have had.”

Foster said that she is “tearing up things that were given to me from my mom that might not have been the best thing for me.” The book pages the ensemble tore apart in the intro stayed for the remainder of the showcase.

“Mama Who Bore Me” introduced a star studded cast with an emotional message to convey. The tone carried over in the subsequent songs, “Little Boy, Be a Man” from “Catch Me if You Can” and “Dear Theodosia” from “Hamilton.”

In “Little Boy, Be a Man,” Adam El-Zein and Ali Fawaz gave a remarkable performance about the consequences of growing up with toxic masculinity. Their acting was gripping, sparking chuckles from the crowd during appropriately black-humored parts and erupting in applause by the end of their piece for their sheer vocal talent.

“Michael in the Bathroom” from “Be More Chill” highlighted Malakai Cano as the star of the piece. “Michael in the Bathroom” explores the titular character having an existential crisis and anxiety attack alone in a bathroom at a party. Cano delivered a slowburn of emotions that were relatable and ended in heart wrench.

Juxtaposed to Cano’s emotional delivery of “Michael in the Bathroom,” the following two pieces “Therapy” from “Tick, Tick… Boom!” and “Serious” from “Legally Blonde” were delightfully comedic. The numbers were led by the charming Ryan Lewis who truly lit up the stage with personality. Both sequences explored the complications that can be faced in relationships, such as avoidant emotional dumps or breaking up with someone at a selfishly inopportune moment.

A highlight of the evening was a song called “Getting Married Today” from “Company” encompassing the anxiety of a bride who does not want to get married. Magdalena Quiroz delivered a witty, on-beat performance of the fast-paced song. Her tone was pleasantly engaging and the audience couldn’t take their eyes off of her. The overlapping harmonies from her and Adam El-Zein were astounding and impressive. Paired with Sara Barakat’s truly mind-boggling operatic voice made for an exceptional number that had a few audience members standing up out of their seats with applause.

Immediately after, Adam El-Zein had a solo performance of “Johanna” from “Sweeney Todd.” With sheer talent and a flooring technique, El-Zein swept the audience off their feet with his incredible vocal tone.

In tandem with this performance, and another highlight of the night, was the song, “What You Mean to Me” from “Finding Neverland.” El-Zein and Whitaker delivered a beautiful, whimsical performance that left the audience in a few tears. The pair glided effortlessly through the song, embracing feelings of true love and effectively engaging the audience with their on-stage chemistry and confession.

Speaking about her role in this number, Whitaker expressed, “I really hope that the audience feels inspired to tell the people in their lives that they’re important to them and that they are loved and appreciated.”

Another incredible and emotional number came from Ali Fawad performing “Being Alive” from “Company.” Fawad delivered a heartbreaking, moving performance that ended in an emotionally charged climax. It was a performance that gave undeniable goosebumps. Fawad unabashedly showcased the fear that comes with yearning for companionship and how being alone is to never be truly alive. Fawad definitely delivered one of the most emotionally charged and heart wrenching performances of the night.

By this point in “Torn Apart, Together,” the audience felt communal; it felt like there was a heart string bonding us all together.

“Never Ever Getting Rid of Me” from “Waitress” and “Dogfight” from “Dogfight” were two duets that were both fun and gripping. Fawad gave a comedic and charming performance in “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me,” seeming to draw a smile to Sarah Barakat’s lips that didn’t feel like acting. The pair gave a convincing performance of budding love.

In “Dogfight,” Fay Bazzi and Magdalena Quiroz were on fire! They delivered an eruptive, empowering performance truly expressing a “female rage.” The red lighting highlighted the fire they brought to the performance with vocals truly equivalent to being “powerhouses.”

Jovon Jawad and Cody Soliz performed a delightfully charming and comedic musical number in “If You Were Gay” from “Avenue Q.” The endearing Jawad played the role of Rod, a boy who is struggling to come to terms with the fact he’s gay. Soliz’s character attempts to encourage Rod to come out of his shell and that he will love him no matter who he is. Soliz gave a wonderful vocal performance that paired well with Jawad’s vocal shtick and body humor.

Jawad’s goal with this number was, “comedy.” Undoubtedly sparking the most laughter throughout the night, Jawad succeeded.

Whitaker took the solo stage for “Dead Mom” from “Beetlejuice.” A recently graduated alumn, it’s easy to hear how seasoned and mature Whitaker’s tone is. She delivered her performance with a captivating emotion that left the audience feeling punched in their chest. A natural talent, Whitaker made the number look easy.

Speaking about her role in this number, Whitaker expressed, “The one is about grief and loss, and there’s some love in it. It’s kind of about finding something new after you’ve lost it.”

Following up Whitaker was another exceptional solo talent, Kamilah “Sunshine” Foster performing “I Didn’t Plan It” from “Waitress.” With a smooth and confident aura, Foster was seemingly born on the stage. This song is about regret, owning your mistakes, and finding resolve after it all. Foster left the audience in awe, bobbing their heads along to her melody. Her warm vocals enunciated how beautiful it is to feel alive after letting the past go.

Foster expressed how during the number she is “basically talking to myself in an invisible mirror. I didn’t plan this mistake, however, I have to own it and go forward from there.”

“Promises” from “Hadestown” was a touching and relatable piece performed by Sydney Lane and Victory Shane. The pair had a harmony and chemistry that was gentle and heartfelt. The song showcases a universal theme about love. Love is not about material or steady ground but about loving each other regardless of circumstance and toughing out the storm together. This message was delivered in elegance by Lane and Shane, leaving me speechless and with tears in my eyes.

Carrying through onto the solo stage, Lane gave another emotionally delicate performance of “Heaven’s Light” from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” a dream project of Director Vanessa El-Zein. Expressing how it feels to feel unworthy of love, Lane terrifically delivers the resolve of finally finding that love in someone who does not judge you. This performance wonderfully flows into the final song.

In “Torn Apart, Together’s” finale, “Flying Away” from “Fun Home,” Sarah Barakat, Fay Bazzi, and Hannah Whitaker lit up the stage with an emotional and deeply moving performance. The song gripped the audience, a collective relation being felt among the crowd. The song explores themes of dependency, a feeling that you cannot spread your wings without the help of your parents. Eventually, you will find your own way to fly independently.

As the number was coming to a close, the entire cast flooded onto the stage in choreographed harmony. Barakat ended the showcase with the quote, “every so often there was a rare moment of balance when I soared above him” that left me with goosebumps, following a standing ovation from the crowd. A truly spectacular ending of self-love and self-assurance surrounded by a supportive community.

Kahra Noel, who participated in the ensemble performance of “Michael in the Bathroom” expressed the sense of camaraderie of the cast by saying, “the theatre program is like my second home.”

Indigo Devito added, “Theater is so universally important. If I don’t know anything else about this place but I know that they have a theatre, I’m gonna go there, and I’ll find my people one way or another.”

“Torn Apart, Together” was a gripping and emotionally moving performance from a cast of talented artists. Vanessa El-Zein has captured something truly impeccable here. There was no denying the love and community that was felt in the auditorium by both the cast and the audience. There was tons of love and devotion put into crafting this meticulous and passionate showcase.

“Torn Apart, Together” is a breath of fresh air in the midst of this tumultuous time. El-Zein offers us all a home of comfort and safety in being torn apart, together.