Spirited ‘People’ energize Bangor

It’s a long way from Bangkok to Bangor, but when your motto is “Bringing the world together,” a warm spirit and an open heart can bridge the distance. That seemed to be the message left behind by the 67-member cast of Up With People, who wrapped up a world tour Saturday in Maine that began Aug. 13 in Thailand.

Along the way the multi-cultural ambassadors of global understanding sang and danced for audiences in Finland, Sweden, Germany and Belgium, before heading across the pond to perform in 10 U.S. cities. Cast C (two other UWP casts tour the world simultaneously) appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and saw Ellis and Liberty islands in New York before heading to Bangor.

Saturday’s hand-clapping, high-energy two-hour concert at the Bangor Auditorium often resembled a revival meeting, with the religion being a call to action in meeting community needs and fostering world peace. Many of the 17 songs had New Age rhythms, with African influences. The titles were short and punchy, such as “Sound of Peace,” “It Takes a Whole Village,” “Rhythm & Stomp,” and “Culture Jam.”

The only thing missing was “We Are the World.” Instead, the cast, which ranged from ages 18 to 29, delivered the inspiring “We’ll Be There,” which brought the audience to its feet while they waved white tissues handed out in the lobby. I confess, I waved my tissue in true Up With People spirit. So did a family seated in front of me, one of them a baby in his mother’s arms.

Of the 18 countries represented by the cast, a standout was a Swede named Jonathan Cygnaeus, who paid homage to fellow countrymen – the band ABBA – by singing a medley from the musical “Mamma Mia.” Other cast members performed Mexican mariachi music; there was even good old American swing dancing.

The choreography was excellent, at times exceeding the vocal abilities of the many singers.

Among the other countries noted were Cambodia, Japan, Italy, China and Bulgaria. Cast member Kristien Voorspoels of Belgium flew home after receiving word that her father was critically injured in a construction accident.

The Up With People team was in town all of last week, engaged in activities at the Bangor Y and Community Health and Counseling Services, the group’s two local beneficiaries. The Bangor Daily News was a media sponsor, and Bangor Savings Bank was presenting sponsor.

Up With People works so well because, while touting a global message, it keeps things local while in its host community.

The Bangor Area Children’s Choir and the American Sign Language Signers performed, and local sponsor Sam Lanham, an UWP alumnus who met his wife, Stephanie, while on tour in the 1970s, spoke to the audience. The Lanhams’ son, Andrew, toured with the present cast. Rob Reeves, CEO of the Bangor Y, also addressed the crowd. All proceeds from ticket sales benefited the Bangor Y and Community Health and Counseling Services.

“We need to bottle their energy and sell it!” said Joe Pickering, CHCS’ executive director, while a sign language interpreter shared his words with the audience’s hearing impaired.

In any language, that’s great news for Bangor – and the world.