Review: National Tour of 'Come From Away' at the Bushnell

Dedicated to the families shattered by 9/11

“Welcome to the Rock”

Hartford, CT - The national tour of COME FROM AWAY, “the remarkable true story,” had landed at the Bushnell in Hartford this week. The adjective that came my mind as I stood clapping along to the curtain call for the members of the band was “beautiful,” and I will attempt to explain in this review what made it such a beautiful production.

COME FROM AWAY, is based on actual events that took place on September 11, 2001 and the days that followed when 38 planes were ordered to land in the small town of Gander in the Canadian province of Newfoundland. The characters in the musical are based on real Gander residents as well as some of the 7,000 stranded travelers (along with 19 animals in cargo) that they housed and fed for five days. The creators of this show have told over 16,000 stories over the course of 5 days in a 100 minute musical using 12 actors.

I loved everything about this unique performance and I came away feeling uplifted, despite the subject matter of the tragedy of 9/11. I did not anticipate being affected so much by the memories of that awful time that are still vivid in my mind, but it ultimately added to the experience of the show. There was a surprising amount of gentle humor that perfectly lightened the tone of the performance presented without an intermission.

The action flies along at a strong clip punctuated with an inspired score, as the dozen actors (assisted by eight onstage musicians) quickly move back and forth between the stranded passengers and the Gander residents. It manages not to reach breakneck speed where it would hurt to keep up, and the actors always make it abundantly clear which character they are. While there was some actual choreography, the quick rearrangement of mismatched wooden chairs and the actors/musicians on those chairs held a special choreography of its own. With the beautiful lighting design of Howell Brinkley, it was all fascinating to watch.

This ensemble cast blended perfectly and played so many characters so very well that I am unable to choose a standout. Alphabetically, Kevin Carolan, who played Gov. Roosevelt in the original cast of Disney’s NEWSIES on Broadway, played the role of Claude and Others. Harter Clingman (national tour of PETER AND THE STARCATCHER) played the role of Oz and Others.

Nick Duckart (BLACKLIST on television) played one half of the Kevin couple, the Egyptian Ali and Others. Chamblee Ferguson (FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS on television) played Nick/Doug and Others. Becky Gulsvig (SCHOOL OF ROCK, LEGALLY BLONDE, HAIRSPRAY on Broadway) took on the role of the airline pilot Beverley (“Me and the Sky”) and Others.

Julie Johnson (CANDIDE on Broadway) got to tell the teacher joke that opened the show in the role of Beulah and Others. Fun fact: Ms. Johnson was the voice of Baby Bop on BARNEY AND FRIENDS. Christine Toy Johnson, an award-winning actor, playwright, director and advocate for inclusion, played the role of Diane from Texas. James Earl Jones II (national tour of PORGY & BESS) was charming in the role of Bob and Others.

Megan McGinnis (SIDE SHOW, LES MIS, LITTLE WOMEN on Broadway) played Bonnie and Others. Andrew Samonsky (THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD) was the other half of the Kevins, Garth and others. I loved his lead on “Prayer,” a blend of “Prayer of St. Francis” and other religious pieces.

Danielle K. Thomas (AVENUE Q) played the mother of a NYC firefighter named Hannah and Others and Emily Walton (PETER AND THE STARCATCHER on Broadway) played the brand new news reporter Janice and Others.

And that wonderful band was conducted by Cynthia Kortman Westphal, who also played keyboard, accordion and harmonium. Isaac Alderson played whistles, Irish flute, and Uilleann pipes. Kiana June Weber played fiddle, Adam Stoler played electric and acoustic guitars and Matt Wong played acoustic guitar, mandolins and bouzouki. Max Calkin played both acoustic and electric bass, Steve Holloway played bodhran and percussion and Ben Morrow was the last to come out for his bow after he played drums and percussion. I could not begin to tell you what all of those percussion instruments even look like, but the young percussionist who drove me to Hartford was impressed that there were dedicated performers for many of them.

I have already downloaded the cast album because I enjoyed the score so much. I appreciated that most of the musicians became a part of the cast for the number when the passengers are initiated as honorary Newfoundlanders at a local bar ("Heave Away / Screech In.") My musician called the score a mix of Broadway and music in the style of the region.

Something in the middle of nowhere.
In the middle of clear blue air, you've found
your heart, and left a part of you behind. - “Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere"

COME FROM AWAY features a book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, a Canadian writing team. Christopher Ashley, the artistic director of La Jolla Playhouse, directed with pinpoint accuracy and plenty of heart. The minimalistic but functional scenery was designed by Beowulf Boritt and the revolving stage was used judiciously. Easily changeable costumes were designed by Toni-Leslie James with hair design by David Brian Brown. The musical staging was nicely done by Kelly Devine. Ian Eisendrath was the music supervisor and did the arrangements with August Eriksmoen in charge of orchestrations.

I highly recommend the tour of this uplifting show that I have wanted to see since it opened on Broadway. Reaction on social media included the words “theatrical,” “heart” and yes, “beautiful.” COME FROM AWAY runs at the Bushnell through May 5 and is well-worth the trip to Hartford.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.