‘Come From Away’ an important stage story of community
When I first saw the hit Broadway musical tour of “Come
From Away” in July 2019, I was mesmerized, moved and inspired. And above it all, I was educated about the power of the human spirit and the importance of human kindness to one another, all of which we could use so much more of in our world of today.
Coming from farm roots, readers have heard me write and say the same theme so often in the past two decades: “Neighbors always help neighbors.”
Broadway In Chicago is doing a big favor for our area audiences by hosting a return run for a very welcomed visit from the Broadway musical tour of “Come From Away,” which is the 90-minute, quick-as-a-lamb’s-tail, true tale of the small town that welcomed the world to its doorstep.
If you only see on Broadway tour production in the coming spring, “Come From Away” — playing now through March 6 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. — is life-changing theater you shouldn’t miss, with audiences guaranteed the gift of a smile.
The touring production of “Come From Away” stars a powerhouse ensemble, all seamless and incredible as they slip in and out of multiple characters playing both the residents of the small Canadian town and also the frightened and confused passengers of the planes which required emergency landings after the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, when U.S. air space was shut down for three days.
Marika Aubrey, Kevin Carolan, Harter Clingman, Nick Duckart, Chamblee Ferguson, Christine Toy Johnson, Julie Johnson, James Earl Jones II, Julia Knitel,
Sharone Sayegh, Danielle K. Thomas, Jeremy Woodard, Jenny Ashman, Jane Bunting, Amelia Cormack, Aaron Michael Ray, Kilty Reidy and Brandon Springman are the talented forces who bring the story to life.
With book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, direction by Christopher Ashley, musical staging by Kelly Devine, and music supervision by Ian Eisendrath, the staging, costuming and set are simple yet the performance is so layered and effective telling the remarkable true story of more than 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town of Gander, Newfoundland that welcomed them as cultures clashed and nerves ran high as uneasiness slowing turns into trust and gratitude cements into enduring friendships.
A “Best Musical” winner all across North America, this smash-hit musical won the Tony Award for “Best Direction of a
Musical” for Christopher Ashley.
Apple Original Films’ filmed version of “Come From Away” produced by eOne, Hasbro’s entertainment studio, premiered globally on Apple TV+ last year on Sept. 10 marking the first Broadway show to be streamed by Apple TV+ and was directed by Tony Award-winner Christopher Ashley. The live performance was filmed in New York at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre back in May 2021, where the Broadway production was staged for an audience that included 9/11 survivors and front-line workers.
The Broadway show was originally co-produced in 2015 by La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theatre, and presented in 2016 by Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC.
The musical numbers in “Come From Away” stay with audiences (and myself!) long after the final bows. “Welcome to the Rock,” “Costume Party,” “On the Edge”
and “Stop the World” are all heart-pounding and beautiful.
After first seeing “Come From Away” nearly three years ago, a reference in the story to the many homemade dishes cooked and prepared by the generous and giving townsfolk as “comfort food” for the stranded passengers, immediately stuck with me.
Beulah, played so wonderfully by Julie Johnson, runs a large academy in town and is tasked with housing 700 of the passengers. One of the casseroles served is a local ages-old recipe favorite called Cod Au Gratin, which she fondly describes to the unwilling guests as “baked fish with cheese.” I’ve dug up an original recipe for Cod Au Gratin as served at the Newfoundland Hotel in St. John and published in 1973. With the start of Lent this week, it’s a perfect time to share it with readers.
As for tickets for “Come From Away,” they are $35-$105 at
800-775- 2000 or www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
COVID-19 Protocol: Audience members are still required to be masked and show proof that they are fully vaccinated. Those with exemptions, including children, must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Vaccine cards and negative COVID-19 test must be shown along with a photo ID and valid ticket. No home tests are accepted and due to COVID19 protocol, children under 2 are not allowed into the theatre. For further information including types of vaccines or testing details visit BroadwayInChicago.com/ COVID19.
Columnist Philip Potempa has published four cookbooks and is the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. He can be reached at pmpotempa@comhs. org or mail your questions: From the Farm, P.O. Box 68, San Pierre, IN 46374.