“There are shows you should see right now, for the benefit of your own spirit, and “Come From Away” is one of them.” The Chicago Tribune wrote this sentence shortly after the Broadway opening of the musical in 2017; I must say it is truly prescient.
City Springs Theatre Company must have shared this sentiment, for it is presenting the show now through March 29. The musical is directed by Shuler Hensley with book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. “Come From Away” has had successful runs on Broadway and the West End, where it won Best New Musical.
This is a true story told in 95 bracing minutes. The date is Sept. 11, 2001. The place is a small town called Gander on the island of Newfoundland in Canada, which happens to have an airport with full-size runways that can handle large jets.
On that fateful day of terror and death, the air authorities of the United States and most of Canada effectively shut down air travel. However, Gander became a safe harbor in a world thrown into chaos, and 38 planes were ordered to land there, bringing 7000 stranded passengers to a relatively small town. And they couldn’t leave for five days.
Gander did not have hotels for 7000 people. What it did have was a population of extraordinary, generous, funny, empathetic people who simply did the neighborly thing and found food and lodging for everyone. They opened their homes and immediately began cooking and distributing food for every single person.
“Come from away” is a Newfoundland term for visitors from beyond the island. Bear in mind that on the first day, no one knew for certain what was happening or even why the visitors had landed there. But they soon found out.
The City Springs audience quickly warmed to the humor, humanity, and music (mixing pop, rock, and folk) of the show, and to the terrific cast. Each actor plays at least two characters, showing great versatility. The cast includes Deborah Bowman, Lowrey Brown, Kyle Robert Carter, Courtenay Collins, Kate Fahrner, Megan K. Hill, Steve Hudson, Jonathan Ludwikowski, Rhyn McLemore, Nasir Ali Panjwani, Shena Renee, John Scherer, Sarah Jackson Brinson, and Jordan Sam Rich.
The music director and conductor of the fine orchestra is Holt McCarley; the associate director and choreographer is Marla Phelan.
A few years ago “Variety” wrote that “Come From Away’s” creators have “forged a moving, entertaining tribute to international amity and the indomitable human spirit.” I think that in a world of increasing acrimony and divisiveness audiences at this show are very happy indeed to see an unabashed display of human kindness and generosity and friendships forged. It happened in Gander in 2001. It can happen again.
Get tickets and more information at cityspringstheatre.com.
