Every generation has it’s “where were you when?” moment. When JFK was assassinated, when John Lennon was killed, when the twin towers fell. I was in my sixth grade classroom, as my teacher leaned on the blackboard ledge and had to deliver the news to a group of 10 and 11 year olds that their lives were about to change, though no one knew at the time how irrevocable that change was going to be. But in Gander, Newfoundland, folks were getting ready as planes landed in Gander Airport and their population suddenly doubled overnight. Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s Tony nominated Come From Away has made its way to Port Hope, directed by Rob Kempson, and it brings with it the East Coast hospitality we could all use. So grab some screech and some cod-au-gratin and join in the kitchen party!

Come From Away is a heartwarming musical which tells the stories of the folks of Gander, as well as those come from aways who suddenly found themselves there, on September 11, 2001. With 38 planes being diverted to Gander International Airport, there were almost as many people on the tarmac as there were in the whole town! Yet, everyone sprung into action, making shelters, trying to keep groups of folks together, making food, donating clothes, whatever they could do. New friendships are forged, some relationships blossom while others wither, Come From Away truly shows such a beautiful range of humanity, all within this little maritime town.

I didn’t even need to look at the program to know that the Capitol Theatre’s stage has been transformed in to Beulah’s kitchen: the tan coloured crock-pot atop the mis-matched cupboards, the fridge covered in pictures and postcards, and the overall homey feel could only belong to Beulah. Brandon Klieman’s set design keeps some original elements like the kitchen chairs and large table, while also putting us into a whole new setting full of easter eggs to find before the show even begins (my favourite is the U Are Here license plate). The change in the set during “Me and the Sky” made me actually gasp out loud; what a perfect way to remind us all that this was a very real thing, and that from that moment on, the coziness of the world as we knew it would never be the same. Joyce Padua’s costume design likewise felt familiar while also being entirely unique, and I particularly enjoy how small elements of the cast’s initial costumes weave their way into their main ensembles for their characters.

Though this is my first time reviewing Come From Away, I’ve seen three other productions prior to this, the first one being the original Broadway run almost 9 years ago now. From that first experience, Come From Away has had a special place in my heart. I remember calling my Mom as I waited at the stage door and I said “This is a play by Canadians, about Canadians, to show the world who we are”. And I still believe that’s true, as I never feel more proud to be a Canadian as when I see this show, particularly in other countries. Kempson’s production focuses on this sense of patriotism and places it at the very heart of everything we see. The conceit of them all being together a Beulah’s for a kitchen party where they’re remembering that harrowing week shifts the feeling of the show from one of education to one of honour.

Another unique element which I enjoyed about the Capitol’s production is that they’ve expanded the live band on stage to the members of the cast as well. While Hanuel Yi, Tom Leighton, and David Schotzko are also in the wings, several of the main cast play instruments throughout the show, solidifying the kitchen party feel.

Before I dive into the fantastic performances which are given in Come From Away, I just want to mention a little bit of fun which was built into the casting. So there’s a couple in the show, Kevin T and Kevin J. In “28 Hours/Wherever We Are” Kevin T says “And my boyfriend, Kevin – we’re both named Kevin. It was cute for a while. Anyway…” and it makes me laugh out loud every single time. However, in the Capitol’s production, Kevin T and Kevin J are played by a real life couple…and both of their names are Kyle. It could not possibly be more perfect and for the bit to extend through to the actual casting of the roles makes me love it all the more.

Kyle Blair and Kyle Golemba give impressive performances in their roles as the Kevins and others, and their chemistry on stage is palpable. Donna Garner and Scott Carmichael’s Diane and Nick perfectly capture the sweetness of their relationship. Tat Austrie’s Hannah has my heart, with their powerful vocals in “I am Here” bringing down the house. Julie Lumsden’s Beverly and Annette are such great foils for one another and Lumsden knocks both rolls out of the park. Monique Lund’s Beaulah is full of kindness, and Lund’s friendship with Austrie’s Hannah is beautiful. Melissa Payne gives a feisty performance as Bonnie. Beau Dixon’s Oz Fudge is delightfully funny. Charlie Clark also gets to highlight his impressive vocals as Bob. Brendan Wall’s Claude is a great foil for Blair’s Garth and he acts as a great lead narrator for the show. Annika Tupper brings such vitality to Janice, and I love getting to see her and some of the other cast members laughing together on stage; their fun simply radiates throughout the play.

“Tonight we honour what was lost. But we also commemorate what we found!”

There’s a key change in “38 Planes (Reprise)/Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere” which can make me cry even if I’m just listening to the cast album. It’s literally playing as I write this with a tear in my eye. There is something about this song, and it’s message of leaving a bit of ourselves in the various places we visit that has spoken to me since that first time I saw Come From Away in New York. Kempson’s clear understanding of the soul of this story made me cry even harder at the Capitol than I think I ever have before. Especially on this anniversary year, Come From Away is needed now more than ever: a reminder of what we can all do, together.

Come From Away runs at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope until August 9. For more information and tickets, visit: https://capitoltheatre.com/events/come-from-away/

---

Cover Photo: Come From Away

Directed by Rob Kempson

Feat. Donna Garner, Tat Austrie, Annika Tupper, Monique Lund, Melissa Payne, Julie Lumsden, Beau Dixon, Kyle Blair, Kyle Golemba, Charlie Clark, Brendan Wall, and Scott Carmichael

Music Director: Jeff Newberry

Choreographer: Genny Sermonia

Stage Manager: Hannah MacMillan

ASM: Maya Bowers

Apprentice SM: Jenna Borsato

Dialect Coach: Alison Deon

Sound Designer: Emily Porter

Set Designer: Brandon Kleiman

Costume Designer: Joyce Padua

Lighting Designer: Siobhan Sleath

Mandolin/Assoc. Music Director: Haneul Yi

Whistles: Tom Leighton

Drums: David Schotzko

Photos By: Sam Moffatt

---

Thank you to my Patrons:
Natalia, Steve, Brendan, Deborah, and Phil

And to my supporters who’ve bought me a coffee:
Angelica and Paul, Anonymous, Adrianna, Caitlin, Jonathan, Jada, and Courtney

Would you like to become a Patron? Check out my Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Or, you can buy me a coffee at: buymeacoffee.com/aviewfromthebox