Welcome to the Rock

Come From Away

Once you’ve seen this extraordinary, exhilarating and life-affirming musical, now playing in a gorgeous production at the Paramount Theatre through October 12, you’ll be forever changed. First of all, this musical is not, as many have labeled it, about the 9/11 tragedy. Yes, the story is based upon how that  horrific Islamist Al-Qaeda terrorist attack in 2001 affected so many lives, other than the almost 3,000 who died. But the musical isn’t about the actual tragedy. It’s a transforming, uplifting and brilliantly written and performed show that’s inspired by the appalling events of that day. COME FROM AWAY is a truly cathartic experience about the triumph of humanity over hatred. It’s an inspiring, joyful, sometimes funny and often heartbreaking true story that celebrates the goodness that lives within each of us. It reminds us what can happen when people put aside their fears, prejudices and hostility to embrace what it means to be human. So, as the cast sings, “Welcome to the Rock.”

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 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 stirring, heartfelt musical beautifully shows how a small, selfless Canadian 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.

Staged and guided with so much sensitivity and passionate energy by talented, multiple Jeff Award-winning director Trent Stork (the recent extraordinary circus production of CATS, FROZEN, KINKY BOOTS), Musically Directed by multiple Jeff-winner Kory Danielson (NEXT TO NORMAL, BEAUTIFUL, SOUND OF MUSIC), and Choreographed by the gifted Kasey Alfonzo (CATS, Porchlight’s TITANIQUE), this show is a theatrical treasure. Just like the Broadway production, Paramount’s presentation is accompanied and supported by a brilliant, eight-member onstage band. The musicians are conducted with spirit by Mr. Danielson. They play Sankoff and Hein’s Celtic-inspired score that’s both foot-stomping lively and, at times, tearfully heartbreaking.

The visuals in this production are, as always at Paramount, resplendent and detailed. Milo Bue’s breathtaking rural Scenic Design is dominated by a series of false prosceniums comprised of, what appear to be, the cross sections of a large tree. The rural effect extends out toward the audience, drawing us into the natural environment. Large rocks and boulders, flowing water and assorted foliage and vegetation complete the realistic country look. The acting area of the stage is dressed with mismatched chairs and small tables, continually being reconfigured by the actors to accommodate each new locale. Mike Tutaj creates an array of lovely moving Projections that enhance the rustic, woodland look. The entire stage picture is Lighted with color and atmosphere by Greg Hofman. Izumi Inaba has Designed Costumes so appealing and adaptable that the cast can easily switch character, in a matter of moments. And each actor’s transformation continues with Katie Cordts’ spot-on Wig, Hair & Makeup Designs.

Paramount has assembled the perfect ensemble cast. Each actor creates several extremely likable, genuine and normal everyday characters, both airline passengers and residents of Gander. By the end of this musical we walk away feeling like we’ve made many new friends, as each actor deftly shape-shifts into different characters. 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”), Andrea Prestinario (MY FAIR LADY, RENT) is strong, yet sensitive as Beverley, the trailblazing female airline captain of one of the jetliners. She’s terrific in this role, but equally remarkable in all the other characters she portrays.

The mega-talented Nick Druzbanski (SCHOOL OF ROCK, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY) pleasantly portrays Oz, one of Ganders few law enforcers, as well as a Jewish Rabbi, and a whole slew of other characters. Making his Paramount debut, Sevon Askew (National Tour of HADESTOWN) nicely 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 much more.

Romance blossoms for two of the guests during their stay in Gander. Chicago favorite Susie McMonagle (LES MISERABLES on Broadway; BILLY ELLIOT and MAMMA MIA! National Tours) is, as always, absolutely delightful. She plays Texan divorcee Diane, among other roles. Diane finds unexpected love with Nick, a British businessman, played with self-effacing sweetness by Ron E. Rains (WAITRESS, BILLY ELLIOT). As the two Kevins, the musical’s lone gay couple, Zak Berger (CATS National Tour), makes his auspicious Chicago debut, and Adam Qutaishat, in his Paramount debut (who also tenderly plays Middle Easterner, Ali) and are in a shaky relationship that offers both humor and poignance. 

Broadway actress Soara-Joye Ross (HADESTOWN, LES MISERABLES) appears as the heartbreaking Hannah, a mother whose son is a New York City firefighter and has become unreachable because of the terrorist attacks. She shares her anguish with Beulah (“I Am Here”), played with sparkle and charisma by the wonderful Abby C. Smith (TITANIQUE, BEAUTIFUL), a Gander school teacher and mother, whose son is, coincidentally, also a fireman. Both actresses bring eloquence, grace and warmth to their roles and share a very special emotional connection in this tale of courage.

This musical is simply wonderful. It’s the perfect anecdote to all the frustration, pain and negativity that’s been bombarding us, especially within the past several months. What with political battles that continue to rage on, an unbalanced economy, immigrants being rounded up and sent back to their hostile homelands, two brutal wars raging in Europe and the Middle East and the horrendous effects of climate change, here’s a great way to escape for a few hours and find a reason to hope. The show is a rousing and joyful celebration of the kindness, compassion and generosity that lies within each of us. Please, do yourself a favor and treat your soul to this polished, professionally-produced production at Paramount Theatre. COME FROM AWAY is a life-changing experience that’s guaranteed to make you look at the world in a completely different way. So let this production bid you, “Welcome to the Rock.”

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented August 20-October 12 by Paramount Theatre, 23 East Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Paramount Theatre box office, by calling 630-896-6666 or by visiting www.paramountaurora.com.

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