What It Means to Be Human

Come From Away – Broadway in Chicago

I want to sign up to Kiss the Cod so I can become an Islander! This won’t sound strange once you’ve seen this extraordinary, exhilarating and life-affirming musical, now playing for only two weeks in Chicago. First of all, this musical is not, as many have labeled it, about the 9/11 tragedy. It’s a transforming, uplifting, brilliantly written and performed show that’s inspired by the appalling events of that day. But “Come From Away” is a truly cathartic experience about the triumph of humanity over hatred. It’s an exhilarating, joyful, sometimes funny and often heartbreaking story that celebrates the goodness that lives within each of us. It shows what happens when people put aside their fears, prejudices and hostility to embrace what it means to be human.

On September 11, 2001, while one of the most horrendous events in history was happening in New York and Pennsylvania, 38 planes from all over the world were rerouted to Gander International Airport in rural Newfoundland, Canada. Because every 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, fed and comforted 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 treasure. This second National Tour, just like the Broadway production, is supported by a gifted, eight-member onstage band, conducted with spirit on opening night by Myrna Conn. They play the Celtic-inspired score that’s both foot-stomping lively and sometimes tearfully heartbreaking. Sporting a beautiful, rural scenic design of timber and tall trees, adorned by mismatched chairs and tables, Beowulf Boritt creates a stage setting that’s as versatile as it is breathtaking. The whole picture is lit with color and atmosphere by Howell Binkley; and Toni-Leslie James has provided costumes so appealing and adaptable that the cast can easily change character in a matter of moments.

If theatergoers ever wondered what constituted the perfect ensemble cast, look no further than these twelve actor/singers. Each 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 in this production. Instead there’s a galaxy of luminaries. As the only character who gets her own solo (“Me and the Sky”), Marika Aubrey is strong, yet sensitive as Beverley, the trailblazing female airline captain of one of the jetliners. She’s terrific in this role, but equally as remarkable in all the other characters she portrays. 
Once again, Chicago is well represented in this production. The handsome, mega-talented Harter Clingman plays Oz, one of Ganders only law enforcers, as well as a Jewish Rabbi, and at least seven other characters. He, thankfully, returns to this National Tour. Also returning is the always impressive, vocally majestic James Earl Jones II, who has dazzled audiences on every major stage in and around the Windy City. Here he plays Bob, among several others. He’s also especially hilarious as the sexy pilot of another jetliner. Both of these actors are magnificent and reason enough to see this show. But, of course there’s more.

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

Kevin Carolan returns to portray Claude, the dryly humorous Mayor of Gander and all the other nearby towns; Julia Knitel is absolutely terrific as the sweetly earnest and funny new TV correspondent, Janice; and Sharone Sayegh brings so much grit and empathy to Bonnie, the kind SPCA volunteer who defies the law by providing the needed care for the animals she finds crated in the hold of each plane.

This musical is simply wonderful. It’s the perfect anecdote to all the frustration, pain and negativity that has been bombarding us for the past several years. What with a crippling pandemic, political battles that continue to rage on, a possible war breaking out in Europe and a Winter that just won’t leave, here’s a great way to escape from it all and find a reason for hope. The show is a rousing, joyful celebration of the kindness, compassion and generosity that lies within each of us. Do yourself a favor and treat your soul to this polished, professionally-produced National Tour. It’s an experience that’s guaranteed to make you look at the world in a completely different way.  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas   

Presented February 22-March 1 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.