A Triumph of Humanity Over Hatred

Come From Away – Broadway in Chicago

First of all, this musical is not, as many have labeled it, about the 9/11 tragedy. It’s an uplifting show inspired by those events, but it’s really about the triumph of humanity over hatred. It’s an exhilarating, joyous, sometimes funny and often heartbreaking story that celebrates the goodness inside most of us. It shows what happened when people put away their fears, prejudices and hostility to embrace the positive side of what it means to be a  human being.

On September 11, 2001, while one of the most horrendous events was occurring in New York and Pennsylvania, 38 planes from all over the world were rerouted to Gander International Airport in rural Newfoundland, Canada. Because every other  airline passenger was now under suspicion, the Federal Aviation Administration made the decision to close the airspace around the United States. Thus, almost 7,000 passengers, pilots and their crew were diverted to a tiny island town of less than 10,000 people.

Based upon interviews with the actual individuals who experienced this life-changing event, the Canadian husband and wife team of Irene Sankoff and David Hein turned this story into a gorgeous, 100-minute, one-act musical. The characters are based upon, or are a composite of, the actual, real-life stranded travelers, along with the Gander residents who housed, clothed and fed them. This warm, heartfelt musical shows how a tiny, selfless community chose to redirect their focus from the tragedy that had just taken place in the United States and offer what they could for their shellshocked fellow men and women.

Guided with an abundance of sensitivity and passionate energy by Tony Award-winning director Christopher Ashley (“Memphis,” “Xanadu”), musically staged by Tony nominee Kelly Devine (“Rocky,” “Rock of Ages”) and musically supervised by Ian Eisendrath (“A Christmas Story”), this show is a theatrical treasure. The National Tour, just like the Broadway production, is supported by a gifted, eight-member onstage band. They play a Celtic-inspired score that’s often lively and sometimes heartbreaking. Sporting a beautiful, rural scenic design of timber and tall trees, adorned by mismatched chairs and tables, Beowulf Boritt has created a stage set that’s as versatile as it is breathtaking. The whole picture is lit with tone and atmosphere by Howell Binkley; and Toni-Leslie James has provided costumes so appealing and adaptable that the cast can easily change gears in a matter of moments.

If theatergoers ever wondered what constituted the perfect ensemble cast, look no further than these twelve actor/singers. Every one of the performers easily and completely shape-shifts into at least three different characters, often more. And, true to ensemble casting, there’s no individual star of this production. Instead there’s a galaxy of luminaries. As the only character who gets her own solo (“Me and the Sky”), Becky Gulsvig is strong, yet sensitive as Beverley, the trailblazing American Airlines captain of one of the jetliners. She’s terrific in this, and the other roles she undertakes, much as she was on Broadway in “School of Rock,” “Legally Blonde” and “Hairspray.” 

Chicago is well represented in this production by the multitalented Harter Clingman, who plays Oz, one of Ganders law enforcers, a Jewish Rabbi, and at least seven other characters. The always impressive James Earl Jones II, who has appeared on every major stage in and around the Windy City, plays Bob, among several others. Both of these actors are magnificent and reason enough to see this show. But, as they say, wait: There’s more!

Romance blossoms for some of the guests during their stay in Gander. Christine Toy Johnson is delightful as divorcee Diane, who finds unexpected love with Nick, a British businessman. He’s played with self-effacing sweetness by Chamblee Ferguson. As the two Kevins, the play’s lone gay couple, Andrew Samonsky and Nick Duckart (who also tenderly plays Middle Easterner, Ali) and are in a relationship that offers both humor and poignance. Danielle K. Thomas is heartbreaking as Hannah, whose son, a New York City firefighter, has become unreachable. She shares her anguish with Beulah (“I Am Here”), played by Julie Johnson, a Gander teacher and mother, whose son also happens to be a fireman. Both actresses bring a maturity and emotional eloquence to this musical.

Kevin Carolan humorously portrays Claude, the Mayor of Gander and the other nearby towns; Emily Walton is sweet and funny as Janice; and Megan McGinnis brings empathy to Bonnie, the kind SPCA volunteer who defies the law, by providing the needed care for the various animals she finds crated in the hold of each plane.

This musical is wonderful. It’s the perfect anecdote to the negativity audiences may have been bombarded with during the past two years. The show is a rousing, joyful celebration of kindness, coming together and the generosity that lies within each of us. While offering a motivational, true story, “Come From Away” provides an entertaining salve to soothe the soreness of today’s political abrasiveness. Do yourself a favor: treat yourself to this polished, professionally-produced National Tour. It’s a show that’s guaranteed to make you look at the world in a whole, different way.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented July 30-August 18 by Broadway in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago.

Tickets are available at all Broadway in Chicago box offices, at all Ticketmaster locations, by calling the Chicago Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or by going to www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.