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What? A musical based on the happenings of Sept. 11, 2001? How is that even possible?
“Come From Away” takes us into the heart of the remarkably true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.
Writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein went to Gander on the tenth anniversary of 911 and interviewed passengers, crew and community members, collecting thousands of stories from their time together in Gander. Since 2013, “Come From Away” has entertained and moved audiences around the world, garnering seven Tony Award nominations, winning one for Best Director of a Musical for Christopher Ashley.
Longtime community theater director Denise Clark has assembled a troupe of some of the best actors around. Toss in a few newcomers and you will be wowed by so many of the performances. The mood shifts in the story take us from laughter to heartfelt tears in a split second. Each of the twelve actors play many different roles, and the character shifts are obvious; a change in dialect, the addition of a hat or a scarf, simple movement of furniture. Denise Clark has done a wonderful job with this very challenging script. All performances are genuine and it's amazing to see how Clark has crafted this show to fit on the intimate stage at the boathouse, an absolutely perfect setting for “Come From Away.”
Musical Director James Porras II brings out the very best from the singers. The ensemble vocals are especially strong. It is apparent that the cast spent many many hours lining up the vocals and dialogue with the pre-recorded tracks. Well done!
Local stage veteran Tom Laitinen gives a solid performance as Claude and James Porras II provides a lot of comedy as Oz. Han Numinen is delightful as the brand new TV reporter, Janice, and Claire Decker-Pepin shows us the kindness of Bonnie as she cares for the animals from the planes. Stage veterans Leslie Parkkonen and Erin Mankee as Beulah and Hannah show us how true friendships evolved during this terrible event. Kevin T and Kevin J played by Kyle Hantz and Michael McNeil provide some good comic relief and McNeil's portrayal of Ali is also notable.
Jacqueline Love and Craig Grabarczyk are solid as Diane and Nick as they take us through their unlikely romance. Bill Santer is charming as Bob and others. (Actually the full cast should be noted for their "and others" as they all play so many different roles). Last, and certainly not least, Kara Powell Rosas, a newcomer to the LST stage gives us a very tender, authentic performance as Beverly. "Me and The Sky" is a highlight of the production.
All of the technical aspects of the show are solid. Lighting by Vic Holliday is simple and effective, sound and microphones by Anna Morozov and Willow McNeil are well designed and executed. Especially notable is the balance between the pre-recorded tracks and the singers. Costumes and props by Erin Mankee and Denise Clark are as eclectic as the story itself.
In the end, the opening night crowd attending “Come From Away” erupted with a long and heartfelt standing ovation for each and every member of the company. I'm sure that will happen at every performance. There are still some tickets available! Hurry, get yours before they are gone!
“Come From Away” plays at 7:30 p.m. today and Aug. 10-14, at the Lake Superior Theatre, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd., Marquette. Tickets are available online at nmu.universitytickets.com. If a performance happens to be sold out, text 906-227-7625 to inquire about rush seats.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dave Dagenais is a retired theater director and educator now residing in Appleton, Wisconsin