The Ensemble (Photo by Craig Schwartz Photography)
Reviewed by F. Kathleen Foley
A Noise Within
Through Nov. 8
RECOMMENDED
Desmond Newson and Amber Liekhus (Photo by Craig Schwartz Photography)
Since it first opened on Broadway in 2017, Come from Away has often been produced in the U.S. and abroad.
It’s easy to see why. Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s Tony-nominated musical (it won for best direction) is the ultimate feel-good story. In the aftermath of 9/11, when the U.S. completely closed down its airspace, hundreds of planes already in flight were barred from entering the country. Among them were 38 planes diverted to the sleepy airport in Gander, Newfoundland, swelling the town’s population from 9,000 to 16,000 in a single day.
As thousands of strangers from all parts of the globe suddenly dropped into their midst, the citizens of Gander scrambled to accommodate them. It was a mind-boggling logistical challenge, as agencies from the Red Cross to the RMCP to the military pitched in to help, requisitioning necessary supplies from food to diapers to clothing. Translators were required to communicate with the frightened travelers, many of whom did not speak English.
But the real heroes were the locals, who were unstintingly welcoming under extraordinary and exhausting circumstances. Their gallant efforts focused the world’s attention on Gander and served as a heartening reminder that humanity’s essential goodness could still shine through even in the darkest of times.
While I have seen the show before, this staging by director Julia Rodriguez-Elliott’s staging at A Noise Within made me feel that I was seeing it for the first time. Rodriguez-Elliott, who also choreographs, marshals her able actors — all of whom play multiple roles — with military efficiency. It’s an imaginative production with innovative touches throughout. A choreographed sequence in which the actors “dance” in swiveling office chairs is just one example of Rodriguez-Elliott’s directorial ingenuity.
Based on true events, Sankoff and Hein’s intricate book, comprised of numerous subplots and a wide range of characters, could easily spiral into confusion. Here, it is richly comprehensible.
American Airlines pilot Beverley (an excellent Cassandra Marie Murphy) is the thread that ties together the sprawling narrative, while Gander’s town mayor (Geoff Elliott, speaking in a broad regional accent you could cut with a knife), emanates a reassuring folksiness that keeps panic at bay.
Come from Away compartmentalizes events into small, personalized stories that are mostly heart-warming and inspirational. All is not sweetness and light, however.The show doesn’t shy away from darker issues: Anti-Islamic sentiment is beginning to surface as bellicose individuals confront a Muslim passenger.
The “plane people” react in different ways to their unexpected diversion. For gay couple Kevin T and Kevin J (Kasey Mahaffy and Nathan Mohebbi, respectively), the strain of the long layover dooms their relationship. More sweetly, Texas divorcee Diane (Trisha Miller) and unmarried British businessman Nick (David Nevell) find a love that will change their lives. As she struggles to contact her firefighter son at Ground Zero, Hannah (superb Amber Liekhus) will also find her life irrevocably changed.
The cast, a mix of strong vocalists as well as character singers, coalesces beautifully under Rod Bagheri’s musical direction. Ken Booth’s lighting design is typically accomplished. Jeff Gardner’s sound had a few opening night glitches, but those were more the result of malfunctioning microphones than his otherwise excellent design.
In the interim since Gander’s “miracle,” the current administration has demonstrated unprovoked hostility towards Canada, bullying and deriding our hitherto friendly near neighbors to the north. That, sadly, casts a shadow over the show’s essentially hopeful message. Even so, Come from Away reminds us that empathy and compassion can transcend national borders — and offers hope that the bond between our two countries can someday be repaired.
A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. Thurs.-Sat., 7:30 pm, Sat.-Sun., 2 pm; thru Nov. 8. www.anoisewithin.org 1 hour, 45 minutes with no intermission.
