Mike Woody reviews Come From Away at La Comedia Dinner Theatre—does this local production lives up to the magic?
Pure Heart and Nonstop Energy: Come From Away at La Comedia -now thru Sept 27
Four years ago was my introduction to Come From Away. I went in knowing nothing, which is my regular state of mind, and left with a new favorite musical. Ever since I saw it on La Comedia’s schedule a year ago, I’ve been excited. Would it live up to all the anticipation? Would it be as good as I remembered? Would it still rank as my favorite musical?
The answer to all those questions—and whether I made multiple trips to the buffet—is a resounding yes. It’s a splendid production, sure to make Come From Away a favorite of everyone who attends.
Dictionaries are becoming extinct, but if you Google the word ensemble, the cast of Come From Away should be pictured. There is no traditional leading role. Instead, everyone works together cohesively to tell a tale based on a true story. If you Google excellent, a cast picture should also appear.
With no intermission, the show runs approximately 120 minutes of nonstop action from beginning to end. Everyone plays multiple roles, and the transitions appear effortless. The changes are subtle—adding a hat, using a different accent, or changing a character’s swagger—but they’re noticeably clear. As a parent of twins, I sometimes have trouble telling my children apart, but I had no trouble distinguishing which character each actor was portraying.
For those not familiar with Come From Away, it’s a heartwarming tale set against the terrors of 9/11. With the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaching, the timing couldn’t be better. The story is set in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, where 7,000 stranded airline passengers were forced to shelter for several days.
People of all races, religions, nationalities, body types, and personalities had to make the best of a very dire situation in a strange land at a time of tremendous uncertainty. Even with such serious subject matter, my wife cried—twice—and there are still plenty of laughs. The show does an exceptional job of mixing heavy moments with humor.
The ensemble includes Mayor Claude, played by Neil Schleifer, who can commonly be found at Tim Hortons. Beulah, played by Danielle MacMath, is a kindhearted soul instrumental in organizing the rescue efforts. From food, clothes, and beds to bad jokes, she provides everything those in need could possibly ask for. From the good-hearted Beulah to a passenger who breaks out in song while imitating Celine Dion, MacMath is completely endearing.
Becky Barrett-Jones plays Bonnie, an animal lover who works devotedly to rescue animals ranging from dogs to chimpanzees. Luckily, there are no beavers, or there might be a lawsuit.
A rookie TV news reporter, played by Sydney Morefield, is thrust into the spotlight. Morefield perfectly captures her tentative nature.
Speaking of Google, if you were to type in dependable, there should be a picture of Colin Cranstoun. Cranstoun can be relied upon to fill any role, including Oz, a beleaguered police officer. It’s a perfect show for such a versatile actor. He also plays a rabbi, a Spanish translator, and a cardiologist, just to name a few.
The travelers include Ashley Espinosa as Beverly, whose talents soar as high as the pilot she portrays. My wife is a tougher critic than I am. Trust me, she can be hard to impress, and her first words about the show were, “Ashley was great. Super. She was really good.”
Did I mention that she’s never wrong?
Amid all the chaos, a Texas native, played by Carrie Neal, and a New Englander, played by John Langley, find comfort in each other. Each brings undeniable charm to the role.
Speaking of romance, a pair of Kevins—Colin Mash and Ben Muckenthaler—share more than just a name. Mash is a prime example of how seamlessly the cast transitions from one character to another. In the time it takes to blink, he changes from Kevin to Ali, a Muslim man who is unjustly treated. Ali may be a bit character, but he makes a lasting impression.
A tough but fearful New Yorker is mastered by Sam Bostic, while Tammie Harris pulls at the heartstrings as a mother trying to reach her son, a firefighter at Ground Zero.
The set is very minimal, with only a few chairs and tables on stage. Yet it’s enough to quickly and effectively transform the space into the inside of a plane, a bus, a bar, and other locations. The cast excels at portraying the frustrations of being stuck on a runway for more than 24 hours, the fears of being transported into the unknown, and all the uncertainty surrounding the future.
Musical highlights include the inspiring and moving “Me and the Sky,” performed by Espinosa. If you don’t smile and feel your spirits lifted during the rousing “Screech In,” seek professional help.
We all—at least those of us old enough—have our own memories of 9/11. It’s something everyone can relate to, which adds a personal touch to the show. It’s a day we will never forget, much like Come From Away is a show that will always be remembered.
🎭Show information: Come From Away at La Comedia Dinner Theatre now thru September 27
