Former FDNY firefighter honors fallen brothers through powerful 9/11 stage performance
Kevin Shea is taking the stage in Anne Nelson's "The Guys," a play that tells the story of a New York City fire captain grappling with the loss of firefighters killed in the aftermath of 9/11.
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As the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks approaches, a former FDNY firefighter from Baiting Hollow is finding a special way to honor the men he lost.
Kevin Shea is taking the stage in Anne Nelson's "The Guys," a play that tells the story of a New York City fire captain grappling with the loss of firefighters killed in the aftermath of 9/11.
For Shea, the role is more than acting.
"It's like my makeup and tribute to them, the guys who made the supreme sacrifice and the families that mourned for them all this time," says Shea.
For decades, Shea has carried the memory of the members of FDNY Ladder 35 and Engine 40.
Now, 25 years after the attacks, he is putting the uniform back on, this time as part of a performance designed to keep their stories alive.
Presented by Northeast Stage, "The Guys" is based on a true story. The play follows a fire captain named Nick as he struggles to write eulogies for eight firefighters from his firehouse who were killed on Sept. 11.
"She wrote about, based on a true story of her experience with a captain who lost all the guys from his firehouse," says Shea.
The story resonates deeply with Shea.
"This is sort of a tribute to the guys because I lost every one of my firehouse," he says.
In the play, Nick is unable to put his grief into words. Overwhelmed by anxiety and loss, he turns to a journalist named Joan for help.
"He can't write a line. He's having the anxiety," says Shea.
News 12 got a behind-the-scenes look at a recent rehearsal as cast members worked through scenes centered on grief, remembrance and resilience in the days following the attacks.
Eileen Trilli, who plays Joan, says the production offers audiences an opportunity to reflect on a pivotal moment in history while also providing a sense of healing.
"I think for everyone who lived through it, it's very impactful," Trilli said. "I think it's a point in which people can get involved and they can maybe find some healing."
"The Guys" will be performed Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the North Fork Arts Center in Greenport.
For Shea, the performance serves as another way to ensure the sacrifice of his fellow firefighters is never forgotten.
