SAN DIEGO — If ever there was a time when we needed an emotional boost, that time is now. And the magic bullet is the San Diego Civic Theatre’s touring production of “Come From Away.” Broadway San Diego brings audiences this incredibly life-affirming Tony-award-winning musical for a limited engagement.
Twelve gifted actors assume dozens of roles as they bring to life the true story of Newfoundland’s response to the tragedy of 9/11. The small town of Gander and neighboring communities took in nearly 7,000 passengers who were waylaid after the World Trade Center towers were devastated. Planes were re-routed as a result of United States airspace being shut down. The Canadians did not only react; they responded with love, compassion, humanity, and diapers!
Remarkably the actors alternated between portraying the “Plane People” as well as the “Oilanders.” Each character was convincing with the native dialect, their fabulously choreographed jigs, and their raw honesty. I found myself tearing up at the utter kindness and empathy shown to the displaced travelers, repeatedly, by the natives of Gander. People from all over the world were provided food (fish and cheese?), shelter, showers, and clothing. They were offered phones to call family, copious amounts of alcohol, and most of all, immense love and support as they watched the horror unfold on television news channels, all while bolstered and supported by their new friends.
It was fascinating to watch the transformation that overcame each character. The experience was life-altering for stranded travelers and hosts alike. Five days of angst, lack of communication, forced camaraderie, and ersatz housing revealed the authenticity of people humbled by a cataclysmic event.
Irene Sankoff and David Hein wrote the book, music, and lyrics capturing the true biographies of pilot Beverly Bass (Marika Aubrey), the first female captain of an American Airlines commercial plane, the building romance between Nick (Chamblee Ferguson) and Diane (Christine Toy Johnson), the break up of Kevin (Jeremy Woodard) and Kevin (Nick Duckart), and the heartbreak of Hannah (Danielle K. Thomas). The town’s SPCA representative, Bonnie (Sharon Sayegh) rescued cats, dogs, and a pregnant bonobo from the planes’ hold. It seems that there was no one in Gander who harbored any ill will towards their uninvited guests, as though they understood the magnitude of something we still find unfathomable today, 21 years after the fact.
Fifteen musical numbers related the story in song, including “38 Blankets,” “28 Hours/Wherever We Are,” “Me and the Sky,” and especially poignant, “Prayer.” In this last number, most world religions are represented. While the individuals are gathered in the library, each is praying in his own language and the menagerie is a harmonious melange of faith and hope. Gifted musicians include Cameron Moncur, Isaac Alderson, Kiana June Weber, Billy Bivona, Martin Howley, Sean Rubin, Steve Holloway, and Ben Morrow.
While the theme is heavy, there are light moments and there is even a joke or two, but no spoiler alerts! If you’ve never seen “Come From Away,” now is your chance, but hurry. If you saw it at La Jolla Playhouse in 2015 or on Broadway, it’s time to see it again. Who can’t use a shot of something uplifting right now?
Eva Trieger is a Solana Beach-based freelance writer who specializes in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com