“America’s Summer Theater” continues its diamond anniversary season with a gripping performance of the acclaimed Canadian musical that has captured audiences across the globe in seven languages.
“Come From Away” — with music, book, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein — claims dozens of international awards, including a Tony for Best Direction of a Musical (2017), a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical (2017), and four Olivier awards in London (2019). The longest-running Canadian musical in Broadway history, it is based on a true event that occurred in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.
As the world reeled and North American airspace closed, 38 transatlantic flights carrying almost 7,000 people were diverted to Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, including passengers and crew from Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia; many were Americans returning from travel to Europe.
And the small island town of Gander, Newfoundland (population 10,000) welcomed all with empathy, kindness, and grit and innovation in an outpouring of human solidarity as the townspeople scrambled to host thousands of unexpected travelers from other cultures — some of whom spoke different languages.
Eleven years later, “Come From Away” was born as a workshop and then an amateur theater production at Ontario’s Sheridan College. The professional musical debuted at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, CA in 2015, landed on Broadway two years later, and has been performed and celebrated around the world since.
Expertly directed at Totem Pole Playhouse by Christine O’Grady and Luke Reed, the lights rise on a lovely multi-level set, where, upstage, an outstanding live band under the direction of Jane Best accompanies more than two dozen passionate numbers performed by cast members playing multiple roles — characters based on real people.
Beautiful changing skies projected upstage add a lovely visual touch to the set.
As can be expected from Adams and Franklin Counties’ fully professional summer theater, Totem Pole Playhouse’s stagecraft — with scenic design by Andrue Morgan, sound by Kate Wecker, lighting by Carolyn Wong, and costumes by Jennifer Flitton Adams — integrates seamlessly into a stunning production that flies to curtain call without an intermission through (almost) nonstop song and dance.
The cast — Ray Frewen as Claude (Mayor of Gander), Laura Beth Wells as Bonnie (Gander SPCA manager), Amy Decker as Buelah (Gander schoolteacher), Ben Muckenthaler as Oz (Gander police constable), Scott Langdon as Nick (British passenger), Olivia Allen as Janice (Gander rookie reporter), Julie Cardia as Beverly (American Airlines Captain), Tug Watson as Kevin T. (Texan passenger), Taylor Whidden as Diane (Texan passenger), Dante Brattelli as Kevin J. (Texan passenger), Lamar Burns as Bob (New Yorker), and Jade Litaker as Hannah (New Yorker) — brings their diverse main character’s individual stories to myriad standout moments while skillfully juggling multiple roles.
Seasoned performers all, these beautifully costumed actors make the most of every moment on stage (and are seldom off stage) with impressive range.
Frewen’s extensive experience lands immediately with powerful vocals and presence as Mayor Claude Elliott leads the Company in the opening number of “Welcome to the Rock.”
There are so many moments where all the actors leap to life in this symbiotic, fast-paced production: Allen who keeps proclaiming “I am new,” Wells as the animal advocate who fights ferociously for the forgotten animals in cargo holds, Decker’s and Litaker’s portrayals of Beulah and Hannah forging a deep friendship, Cardia as the trailblazing female American Airlines Captain, Burns as Bob expecting to be shot at and being offered tea instead, and Muckenthaler’s (as Oz) dramatic switch from a dedicated civil servant organizing parties to a rabbi, among others.
Whidden and Langdon (as Diane and Nick) create sweet moments making a lasting romance, while Watson and Brattelli (as Kevin T. and Kevin J.) unexpectedly break one.
There are friendships forged, losses grieved, prayers prayed, hope and solidarity inspired, and sweet moments of comic relief. (“Screech In” involves lots of liquor and a ceremony dubbed “kissing the cod,” and Beulah and Hannah tell each other stupid jokes.)
“Come From Away” travels on a fast timeline that feels, at times, like almost too much to absorb. It is an ambitious story told through more than a dozen dynamic music numbers blasting clear vocals and smooth choreography that, for the most part, buffer harsh reality with wonderful showmanship.
Perhaps the most stark, heartbreaking pause is when Hannah (beautifully played by Litaker) learns that the firefighter son she’s been frantic to reach (“I Am Here”) has died at the World Trade Center.
By the time the Newfoundlanders perform “Something is Missing” (after the “plane people” depart on Sept.16th) and the Company reprises “Welcome to the Rock” in a reunion ten years later (“Finale”), audience members may feel saddened once again, but as inspired by the power of human connection as those who experienced the immediate aftermath of 9/11 stranded in Gander.
Many may be remembering their own experiences after the tragedy, when our country — this year celebrating America250 — came together in unprecedented solidarity and patriotism.
“Come From Away” (sponsored by F&M Trust) runs at Totem Pole Playhouse for 19 performances at 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with final performances on Friday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 4 at 2 p.m.
Tickets cost $55– $66 with a $5 service fee if purchased online at Totem Pole Playhouse. For discounted group orders of 10 or more, junior (ages 5-15) and student (ages 16-22), call the Box Office at (717) 352-2164, ext. 1.
“Come From Away” is presented at Totem Pole Playhouse through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Musicians: Jane Best (Keyboards/Conductor), Galen Work (Drums), Mark Hartman (Fiddle), Alessendra Alcala (Flute), Tim Crane (Bass), Michael Giblin (Bass), Joe Schaefer (Bass), Mark Miller (Guitar/Mandolin)
Produced by Ryan B. Gibbs, Producing Artistic Director
Other Production Credits: Luke Reed (Properties Designer), Kia Armstrong (Production Manager), Jack Eisenman (Video Designer), Chris Russo (Technical Director), Allegra Ritchie (Dialect Coach), Bethany Sortman (Production Stage Manager), and Mickey Acton (Assistant Stage Manager)
Covers/Understudies: Kelly Alejos (Janice and Bonnie), Olivia Allen (Hannah), Derek Alexander (Oz, Bob, and Kevin J.) Rachel Landon (Diane Beverly, and Beulah), Geoffery Morgan (Kevin T., Claude, and Nick)
Photo Caption: Ray Frewen Leads the Company of “Come From Away” at Totem Pole Playhouse
Photo Credit: Andy Smetzer Photography
