Review: Long layover

The cast of Come From Away

Some musicals are hits despite their books. Come From Away, the national tour of which opened a two-week run at The Fabulous Fox on May 14th, is a hit largely because of its tightly constructed and emotionally powerful book. In some ways, it's not a traditional musical at all so much as a great play that just happens to tell its tale with music.

Based on the true story of what happened when the citizens of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, suddenly found themselves playing host to the 7,000 passengers (and 19 companion animals) of 38 airplanes grounded because of the 9/11 attacks, Come From Away is an uplifting story of how disaster can bring out the best in humanity rather than the worst. Faced with the need to suddenly find food, clothing, and shelter for strangers from all over the world, the Newfoundlanders rose to the occasion with the stalwart resilience described in the energetic opening number "Welcome to the Rock."

Becky Gulsvig and the company

With book, music, and lyrics by the team of Irene Sankoff and David Hein--whose charming but far less substantial My Mother's Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding got such a fine production at New Jewish Theatre four years ago--Come From Away never fails to entertain, delight, and move. There's not a false note or cliché to be seen. The energetic score, performed by a terrific seven-piece onstage band, prominently features traditional instruments such as Uilleann pipes, Irish flute, Bodhran, and harmonium--a reminder of Newfoundland's strong roots in Irish and English culture. If you go, be sure to stick around for the band's short, high-energy set after the curtain calls.

Everyone in the versatile twelve-member cast (plus six standbys) takes on a variety of roles in addition to those described below, creating the illusion of a much larger ensemble.

Becky Gulsvig is a powerful presence as pilot Beverly Bass (the first female captain of an American Airlines plane), describing how her optimistic view of the world was changed by the attacks in "Me and the Sky." Danielle K. Thomas and Julie Johnson have many wonderful moments as passenger Hannah, worried about her first responder son back in New York, and sympathetic islander Beulah. Chamblee Ferguson is utterly charming as the geeky Brit Nick who finds unexpected romance with divorcée Diane, winningly played by Christina Toy Johnson.

Kevin Carolan, center, and the company

James Earl Jones II has great comic moments as Bob, who finds his hosts' friendliness disconcerting. Kevin Carolan is a big, affable delight as Mayor Claude, as is Harter Clingman as police constable Oz. Other members of this wonderful cast are Megan McGinnis (SPCA worker Bonnie), Emily Walton (local TV reporter Janice, suddenly in the spotlight), and Andrew Samonsky and Nick Duckart as Kevin T. and Kevin J., a gay couple whose relationship is damaged by the crisis. There's not a less than sterling performance in the bunch.

Beowulf Boritt's stark and simple scenic design of bare trees and a plank wall conjures up the rugged beauty of the island and makes scene changes lightning-fast. Wooden tables and chairs are the only set pieces, and they're quickly rearranged to create buses, airplanes, homes, and the local bar. At one point the chairs become the scenic overlook where Nick and Diane acknowledge their affection for each other. Kelly Devine's musical staging and Christopher Ahsley's direction capture the power and vigor of Newfoundland life.

Would a small town in America respond in the generous and openhearted way that Gander did? I don't know, but this is the kind of show that makes you think they might.

Performances of Come From Away continue through May 26th at The Fabulous Fox in Grand Center. If you're looking for a respite from the relentless torrent of bigotry and small-minded spite spewing from our nation's capitol (and no small number of state legislatures), this is surely the show for you.