Welcome to the Rock!

Come From Away

This is going to sound really weird, but I want to sign up to kiss the cod, so I can become an Islander! I assure you this won’t seem like a strange activity after you’ve seen this extraordinary, exhilarating and life-affirming musical, now playing at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. First of all, this musical is not, as many have labeled it, about the tragedy of 9/11. That horrendous event of 25 years ago serves to inspire the plot of the show. But the musical isn’t about the terrorist attack. COME FROM AWAY is a positive, uplifting, brilliantly written and professionally performed musical with a great score that’s set up by the appalling events of that day. COME FROM AWAY is a moving, cathartic experience about the triumph of humanity over hatred. It’s an exhilarating, joyful, often funny and sometimes heartbreaking story that celebrates the good that lives within each of us. It shows what happens when people put aside their fears, prejudices and hostility to embrace all that it means to be human. Welcome to the Rock!

On September 11, 2001, while one of the most frightening and heartless events in history was taking place in New York City 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 all diverted to a tiny island town of less than 10,000 people and were not allowed to leave for five days. 

Based upon the interviews with 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 real-life stranded travelers, along with the Gander residents who housed, clothed, fed and comforted them. This beautiful, warm, heartfelt musical shows how a tiny, selfless community of people 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. Gander’s overwhelming generosity and kindness shines like a beacon in this musical.

Guided with so much sensitivity, passion and energy by Jeff Award-winning director, Jessica Fisch (BEAUTIFUL:THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL; CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, Marriott), choreographed by talented Katie Spelman (THE MUSIC MAN, Marriott) and musically directed by the incomparable Ryan T. Nelson (A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Marriott), this show is an absolute treasure. Similar to the Broadway production, the musical is supported by a brilliant, nine-member orchestra, conducted with spirit by keyboardist,  Celia Villacres (CATCH ME IF YOU CAN; ALWAYS SOMETHING THERE, Marriott). The toe-tapping, Celtic-inspired score is both lively and heartbreaking. Scenic designer Scott Penner keeps the arena stage simple, making creative use of suitcases, a couple chairs and tables on casters, as well as two rolling platform ladders. The stage is awash with light and color by designer Jesse Klug. And Jessica Pabst has costumed the cast with style and adaptability, so that each actor can become a new character in mere seconds with a quick change.

Marriott has brought together the perfect ensemble cast. Each actor creates several likable, honest, everyday characters, both airline crew and passengers, as well as the generous, selfless residents of Gander. By the end of this musical the audience will feel as if they’ve made a slew of new friends, as each actor deftly shape-shifts into various characters. And, typical of an ensemble cast, there’s no individual star in this production. Instead there’s a galaxy of luminaries. As one of two characters who gets her own solo (“Me and the Sky”), talented Lexie Dorsett Sharp (BEETLEJUICE, Broadway; SCHOOL OF ROCK, National Tour) is strong, yet sensitive as Beverly, the trailblazing female airline captain of one of the jetliners. She’s terrific in this role, but equally remarkable as all the other characters she portrays. 

The handsome, mega-talented Justin Albinder (BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, Marriott; LEOPOLDSTADT, Writers) plays Oz, one of Ganders two law enforcers, as well as a Jewish Rabbi and other characters. Returning to the Marriott, likable Michael Earvin Martin (A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY) nicely portrays Bob, among several others. He’s also 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 a couple of the guests during their stay in Gander. Lovely Heidi Kettenring (HELLO DOLLY, Marriott; A BEAUTIFUL NOISE, National Tour) is, as always, absolutely wonderful as Diane, a Texan divorcee, who finds unexpected love with Nick, a British businessman. She also sparkles in other minor roles, as well. Nick is played with a proper British accent and a gawky, adolescent sweetness, by the brilliant Matt Crowle (SOUTH PACIFIC; SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, Drury Lane). Matt also portrays other minor characters, as well. 

As the two Kevins, the play’s lone gay couple, talented Devin DeSantis (JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, Marriott) and Jonathan Shaboo (THE KITE RUNNER, National Tour), in his Marriott debut, are in a relationship that’s both funny and poignant. DeSantis strongly portrays several other characters, and Shaboo also plays a variety of individuals, including an kindly Egyptian chef with an eagerness to help others. 

One of Chicago’s favorite divas, Sharriese Hamilton (SISTER ACT, Drury Lane), is heartbreaking as Hannah, a mother whose son is a New York City firefighter and can’t be reached by phone. She shares her anguish with a Gander resident named Beulah in her melancholy song, “I Am Here.” Beulah’s played with sparkle and charisma by the wonderful Denise Devlin (KINKY BOOTS, National Tour), as a school teacher and mother, whose own son is, coincidentally, also a fireman. Both actresses bring eloquence, grace and warmth to their roles and share an emotional connection in this tale of courage.

Portraying Claude, the dryly humorous Mayor of Gander, as well as the mayors of every nearby town, is another gifted, hilarious and versatile Chicago favorite, Alex Goodrich (ICEBOY! Goodman; CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, Marriott). Alex also serves as narrator and keeps the musical in motion. Comely Madison Kauffman (FINDING NEMO, Marriott; A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Theo Ubique) is absolutely terrific as the sweetly earnest and comical new television news correspondent, Janice, along with several others; and Sarah Bockel (FALSETTOS, Court; INTO THE WOODS, Paramount) is another very talented actor/singer making her Marriott debut. She brings grit and empathy to Bonnie, the kind SPCA volunteer, who defies the law by providing much-needed care kindness for the forgotten animals who are crated in the hold of each plane. She, especially, broke my heart.

This ensemble musical is simply wonderful. It’s a breath of fresh air, and just what Chicago needs right now. COME FROM AWAY is the perfect anecdote for all the frustration, pain and negativity that continues to bombard us. What with the effects of climate change, daily political battles raging on, an unsanctioned war in the Middle East and higher prices for everything that’s  effecting every household, here’s a great way to escape the madness for a couple hours. This musical gives audiences 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 both your heart and soul to this polished, professionally-produced musical. It’s an experience that’s guaranteed to make you look at the world in a completely different way, as twelve gifted actors Welcome you to the Rock!  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented August 26-October 18 by the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling the Marriott at 847-634-0200 or by going to www.MarriottTheatre.com.

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

Photos are by Justin Barbin