Theater Review: “Riding the Midnight Express” with the Incredible Billy Hayes

Recently I had a chance to meet the extraordinary Billy Hayes, and see his one man show, “Riding the Midnight Express” at the Barrow Street Theater.

Hayes’ real life ordeal in a Turkish prison was made into a popular and critically acclaimed movie called “Midnight Express,” which starred Brad Davis as Billy.

The movie and Hayes’ amazing story were told so well by this personable, confident protagonist.

Billy looks back at the “sheer idiocy” of smuggling drugs and tells his story, which included a bold escape from prison leading to a happy life that includes a beautiful supportive wife, Wendy West and advocacy work for prisoners.

His passion and zest for life shine through. He talked of the movie being great and credited the screenwriter, perhaps you heard of him, Oliver Stone.

However, unlike in the movie when “Hayes’ is shown cursing at Turkey in the courtroom, in reality Billy talked of forgiveness, despite the incredibly harsh prison sentence handed down.

Hayes said Turkey is a great place to visit and did so in the past 10 years. “You would not want to be in prison there but you would not want to be in prison in this country either.”

Amen to that, and thankfully Billy came back here and makes every “yoga enriched,” day count. Hail that as well.

Billy Hayes on stage