‘Come From Away’ Underscores the Kindness of Strangers

By Sandi Masori

SAN DIEGO — Who would ever have thought that a musical could be written around the tragedy of 9/11? And furthermore, who ever would have thought that such a musical could be joyous and fun!? Yet somehow, that is exactly what Irene Sankoff and David Hein have done in Come From Away at the Civic Theatre. Not only that, but the musical is based on a true story.

Without giving too much away, the play takes place in Newfoundland. After the terrorist attack on 9/11, all incoming planes were diverted to Newfoundland and 7000 passengers descended on a tiny 11,000-person town.  The locals stepped up to the plate and welcomed the stranded passengers with open arms and hearts.

The show follows the stories of both the Newfoundlanders and the passengers. The incredible thing is that the actors play both parts and effortlessly jump back and forth between the Newfoundland accent and their multiple character accents (Texan, Middle Eastern, New Yorker, etc). The scenery is really simple with common chairs being arranged and rearranged to give the feeling of a plane, a bus, or a tavern.

The music is lively, and you will laugh out loud on many many occasions. In fact the music is so lively and joyous, it’s a sharp contrast to the emergency that was happening on the ground. There was a serious moment when the villagers and passengers are praying for their loved ones and for the people on the downed flights. It started with a Christian song that I guess is really popular in churches. My Catholic neighbor Shani, who joined me at the show, turned to me when the song started and said “do you know this song?” To which I said no, and she explained that it was huge in her church growing up. I kinda shrugged and said “I guess that’s why I don’t know it.” But just then, my ears caught the beginning of another melody, one that is haunting and immediately makes my heart swell just a little as the first few words are crooned….” Ohhh saaay shalom bimromov…. hu -yah ohh say shalom aleyy-inu…”  I know that you guys know the words as well as I. And with tears in my eyes I turned to Shani and said, “This one I know.”

There was also a Muslim and Hindu prayer represented, really underscoring the idea that we’re all in this together and all were affected.

The overall theme of the play is the kindness of strangers.

After the show there was an actor chatback. We were able to ask some questions to a few of the castmates.  Julie Johnson, who played Beulah and other characters; James Earl Jones II, who played Bob and others, and Christine Toy Johnson who played Diane and others were present for the Q and A. Though the show started in San Diego at the La Jolla Playhouse, none of the traveling cast were in the original show — those actors having gone on to the Broadway show in New York.  Playgoers with children may recognize Julie Johnson’s voice. She played the voice of Baby Bop on Barney when all of our kids were growing up. And James Earl Jones II, while related to the more famous actor James Earl Jones, shared with us that he was a cousin, not a son. His voice can be just as commanding though. Christine shared with us that she had gotten to meet and become friends with her real-life counterpart Diane. It was really nice to get a window into the actors and their perspective on the show. The first question asked was about all of those accents, to which the cast credited their amazing dialect coach. They also coached each other, as Julie is actually from Texas and helped Christine nail the accent.

Back to the review, this really is a must-see show. I came home and told my son who had chosen not to come with me because of homework commitments that he really missed out. If you avoid this show because you are afraid of the theme, you will really be sorry. It is a joyous and heartwarming reminder of the kindness of people and the way that a community can come together. And yes,it leaves you with the question, “When can I visit Newfoundland?”

Come From Away plays at the Civic Theatre through 5/22. Tickets are available here: https://www.san-diego-theater.com/theaters/san-diego-civic-theatre/come-from-away.php

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Sandi Masori is a self-publishing strategist, a mom, a sushi snob and a serial dieter.