"Come From Away" A Must-See Musical at The Ahmanson thru Jan 6th

The Tony Award Winning highly acclaimed musical, "Come From Away" tells the remarkable true story of 7000 stranded passengers on September 11, 2001 and the small town of Gander, Newfoundland that welcomed them. It will illicit in you the gamut of emotions from laughter to tears, while keeping you movin n groovin, dancin n cheerin to the nonstop beat of magical music and dynamic dialogue.

Most important you'll be touched by the profound implications, illuminating how the way we treat each other is paramount to a peaceful planet. Hopefully it doesn't have to take another tragedy like 9/11 for the world to wake up and smell the hummus.

Now is the apropos season to begin practicing love right in your own backyard, checking at the door how you behave towards all those you encounter. When's the last time you told someone close to you that you adore admire and appreciate them? Have you hugged your kid today? Who have you offered a smile to? Have you performed a random act of kindness? Don't wait, don't hesitate. You never know what tomorrow may bring!

Patch is privileged to present highlights from an exclusive interview with talented thespian and triple threat, Chamblee Ferguson, who plays Nick and others.

Chamblee was born in the little Apple aka Manhattan, Kansas and now resides in the big Apple aka Manhattan, New York. He received an MBA from SMU (Southern Methodist University) and is still an active member of the Dallas Theatre Center. Chamblee admits that comedies “warm my heart,” He especially revels in British farce as it gives a voice to “frailties of the human condition.”

Chamblee’s character in "Come From Away," Nick, is a British electrical engineer working for a petroleum company, on his way from London to Dallas for a convention, when his plane gets diverted. Chamblee had the golden opportunity to meet with the real life Nick. “We hit it off. I had a lot in common with him personality wise.”

I inquired as to what it’s like to portray a real person. Chamblee replied, “A little surreal. It’s on my shoulders to get it accurate and be genuine. I’ve got to get it right. I’ve got to be as truthful and authentic as possible.” Chamblee asked the real Nick his experience of seeing himself portrayed on the stage. Nick responded, “It’s a combination of surrealism and excitement.”

According to Chamblee, "Come From Away" started at the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The writers, went to a reunion in Gander and interviewed hundreds of residents over days and weeks. The idea turned into a workshop at a Toronto college, then moved to Seattle, followed by San Diego.

Regarding the significance of "Come From Away," Chamblee expressed how urgent its theme is "considering the fact that our country is divided as ever on so many levels. It speaks to kindness, generosity and compassion, which seems to have evaporated. It’s our civic duty to tell this story, pass on the message, and regenerate kindness, generosity, and compassion.”

Chamblee has been moved when audiences leap from their seats at the end of the show. “They tell us their stories about 9/11. They know exactly where they were. They thank us for telling the story. We get so much from them. It encourages us. It’s a blessing!”

Eventhough it's about a somber subject, Chamblee asserts, "It’s the comedic moments that allow us to be vulnerable, opening us up for the tender times. Humor helps to remind us that even in the face of horror, terror, and adversity, there are still hopeful things taking place.”

Chamblee’s favorite tune is “Stop the World,” his duet with Diane, about two people with a lot of chemistry who connect in a short period of time. How to save and hold on to this moment is the premise. No spoiler alerts here about what happens with the smitten couple.

The song that speaks to Chamblee personally is Becky Gulsvig's number “Me and the Sky.” (Becky plays Bev the pilot). "I relate to it being a father, having to soften up, hoping my daughter never meets the kind of negativity Bev has to overcome." He adds that "Becky kills it.”

Speaking of which, when I referred to the cast, Chamblee described them as “truly awesome, warm, playful, fun, like a tight family.” For Chamblee, the cast displays the values of kindness, compassion, and generosity depicted in the production.

Chamblee has dreamed of performing at the Ahmanson since ’95 when he saw "Fool Moon" there. He is grateful to be visiting Los Angeles with his wife and four year old son, who are able to travel with him on the tour. My wife is “so proud she could pop!” Chamblee appreciates her championing and support. “I try to return her love as best as I can.”

I asked Chamblee if he had any advice for aspiring artists. He answered: “In this age of reality TV and instant digital access, it’s rare to become an overnight sensation. If you HAVE to do this work, study and train hard, go to school and stay in school.”

Chamblee’s parting words: “I wish I could do more! There’s a need in our country right now for everyone who’s moved to make a difference. It's a form of patriotism.”

I ditto that. Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. Action is the magic word.

The touring production of “Come From Away” also stars Kevin Carolan (Disney’s “Newsies”), Harter Clingman (“Peter and The Starcatcher”), Nick Duckart (“In the Heights”), Becky Gulsvig (“School of Rock the Musical”), Julie Johnson (“Memphis”), Christine Toy Johnson (“The Music Man”), James Earl Jones II (“The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess”), Megan McGinnis (“Les Misérables”), Andrew Samonsky (“South Pacific”), Danielle K. Thomas (“Avenue Q”), Emily Walton (“August: Osage County”).

With a book, music and lyrics by Two-time Tony Award nominees, Grammy nominees and Outer Critics Circle Award and Drama Desk Award winners, Irene Sankoff & David Hein, “Come From Away” is directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley (“Come From Away”), musical staging by two-time Tony nominee Kelly Devine (“Come From Away,” “Rocky”), with music supervision by Grammy nominee Ian Eisendrath (“Come From Away”), scenic design by Tony Award winner Beowulf Boritt (“Act One”), costume design by Tony Award nominee Toni-Leslie James (“Jelly’s Last Jam), lighting design by two-time Tony Award winner Howell Binkley (“Hamilton”), sound design by Tony Award nominee Gareth Owen (“End of the Rainbow”), orchestrations by Tony nominee August Eriksmoen (“Bright Star”), and music arrangements by Grammy nominee Ian Eisendrath.

A “Best Musical” winner all across North America, the smash hit musical has won the Tony Award for “Best Direction of a Musical” (Christopher Ashley), five Outer Critics Circle Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding New Broadway Musical,” three Drama Desk Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding Musical,” four Helen Hayes Awards (D.C.) including “Outstanding Production of a Musical,” four Gypsy Rose Lee Awards (Seattle) including “Excellence in Production of a Musical,” six San Diego Critics Circle Awards including “Outstanding New Musical,” three Toronto Theatre Critics Awards including “Best New Musical,” three Dora Awards (Toronto) including “Outstanding New Musical/Opera” and “Outstanding Production,” and the 2017 Jon Kaplan Audience Choice Award (Toronto).

Stay tuned for a feature film adaptation of “Come From Away” produced and financed by the Mark Gordon Company. Irene Sankoff and David Hein will adapt the screenplay for the project and Christopher Ashley will direct.

Tickets for “Come From Away” are available by calling (213) 972-4400, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, or by visiting the Center Theatre Group Box Office located at the Ahmanson Theatre. Tickets range from $30 – $135 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Ahmanson Theatre is located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, 90012.