It’s hard to imagine that a play about planes diverting from their destinations to Gander, Newfoundland on September 11, 2001 after the bombings in New York and Washington DC would so capture the imagination of theatergoers that it will be the most produced play in the US this year. According to Michael Paulson’s article in the New York Times, now that it is available for licensing, 23 regional theaters plan to produce it.
Opened in 2017 on Broadway, it has gone on to delight audiences with its combination of humor, musicianship, and sheer energy. Having seen and reviewed the show several times, I was not expecting to see anything new. However, the current staging of Come From Away at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts adds new dimensions to the play that makes it fresh.
To recap: as airports shut down on the 11th, 38 commercial flights landed in Gander with around 7000 people and remained for several days until they were cleared to continue. They had some communication with the outside world, but most were cut off from family for some time.
Gander had a population of 10,000, and they were stretched to the limits with the need to feed, care for, and bolster the spirits of those passengers who were frightened and angry in equal measure. The citizens opened their homes and made the best of a very bad situation. That kindness made all involved form friendships and alliances that continued long after the event ended. Passengers even came together at a 10-year reunion in Gander.
Nate Bertone’s marvelously detailed set, including a large movable staircase, enhances the show from the opening moments. From the outset, the energetic cast comprising 12 first rate actor/musicians opens with “Welcome to the Rock” and sets the stage for learning about a few of the people who who were part of that massive event.
As the 1st woman pilot for American Airlines whose plane is singled out to enhance the storyline, Misty Cotton delivers a powerhouse number “Me and the Sky” as she articulates her groundbreaking role in the adventure. Passengers include a woman, Hannah (Krystle Rose Simmons), whose son is a firefighter near ground zero she is unable to contact; Bob (Clinton Roane), a young black man unsure of his welcome tasked with going into people’s backyards to steal their barbecue grills, providing some humorous moments; a gay couple of Kevins (Steven-Adam Agdeppa, Hayden Kharrazi) whose relationship is tested amid their differing political views of the situation; and Kent Lewis and Gwen Hollander as a shy Brit and an outgoing Texas divorcee whose budding romance provides some sweet moments. Kharrazi also plays a Muslim whose presence spotlights the confusion of who to blame on that harrowing day. Simmons’ powerful “I Am Here” is an evocative moment focusing on the tragedy we fear will end sadly for her.
Ganderites are also represented by Beulah (Maura Vincent), a mother who bonds with Hannah as they share the worries of motherhood and who also spearheads the organization of food and supplies for all; the mayor (Andy Umberger) and police constable (Erich Schroeder), who shine as leaders grappling with the sheer volume of needs. Katrina Michaels as a newly hired young TV anchor is delightfully eager and nervous as she begins her career in this frightful situation. Also notable is Bonnie (Angela Chatelain Avila), the person who self tasks the care and feeding of the animals on board, including a pregnant bonobo.
It’s hard to quantify the successful execution of the ensemble when, in addition to delivering notable characterizations, most are also charged with performing with fiddles, accordions, whistles, guitars, pianos and the like to enhance the backstage band led by musical director Sam Groisser. The spirit of the music is infectious and leads to lots of audience toe tapping. At the end of the play, the musicians send the audience off with a wonderful mix of folk and Celtic styled music.
Nominated for multiple awards including Tonys, Irene Sankoff and David Hein provide the book, lyrics and music for the show. Richard J. Hinds has cast his ensemble with near perfection, and they perform spectacularly. Multiple character and costume changes are so slick they are hardly noticed. Musical direction by Sam Groisser is integral to their success.
Lighting by Steven Young, sound by Josh Besom, costumes by Michelle J. Li, costume coordinator Adam Ramirez, Hair/Wigs/Makeup Melissa Dupont, and the aforementioned Bertone’s set round out the design team to great effect. It is clearly a collaborative effort that produces a really heartwarming and upbeat result.
This is a show that has universal appeal for its focus on the humanity that was demonstrated by this small town’s citizens when they were called upon to do an extraordinary thing. Theater always gives us what we need, and the timing of this show is particularly life affirming in a time when we need to see the positive and let the negative take the sidelines.
La Mirada for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada. Free Parking. Performances are September 20 through October 12. Thursdays at 7:30; Fridays at 8; Saturdays at 2 and 8; Sundays at 1:30 and 6:30. Open captioned performance on October 6 at 2 pm. Talkback on Thursday, October 9 at 7:30. Tickets range from 20 to $100. www.LaMiradaTheatre.com or by calling the box office at 562-944-9801 or 714-994-6310.
