“Come Away From” reviewed by Amy Menzel _Milwaukee

[rating=5]Come From Away changed the way I look at musical theater. It showed me what musical theater is capable of. And, in doing so, it reminded me what people are capable of. To say I was moved doesn’t begin to explain why I’m sitting here, hours after the standing ovation, still in awe just thinking about it.

In case you’ve somehow missed all the anticipation leading up to the show’s Milwaukee run — the advertisements, the newspaper articles, the radio stories, the Canadian flags flying alongside American flags outside of the Marcus Performing Arts Center — the production shares the true story of 7,000 airline passengers who ended up stranded in Newfoundland when their flights were diverted on September 11, 2001. They were stranded and welcomed by the citizens of the small town of Gander.

In case your knowledge of Canada, like mine, is limited to People magazine’s coverage of Justin Trudeau, whatever the Canadian character Robin Scherbatsky said on the sitcom How I Met Your Mother, and a family trip to Niagara Falls 30 years ago, you’ll appreciate the way the opening number introduces you to the people and culture of this small Canadian town. “Welcome to the Rock” is an energetic and entertaining welcome indeed, and sets an incredible pace that, somehow, the cast of 12 is able to keep throughout the entire show. It also sets a tone. One that’s a little surprising considering what’s to come, but a tone that takes you back. Back to that day…wherever you were…when things were normal…before they were not.

In case you were wondering how a cast of 12 pulls off telling the stories of so many, well, I’m not exactly certain, but they do. With energy, for sure, and with passion, and empathy, and a ridiculous amount of talent. Each actor portrays at least one main, named character, as well as various others (actually referred to as “and others” in the playbill), shifting personas with minor costume changes and changes in voice or accent. The way they are able to seamlessly glide between characters and through scenes while keeping up the energy and music that drives the show is amazing. As are the musicians, who play instruments ranging from accordion to Irish flute, and mandolins to bodhran.

In case you haven’t heard, this is an award-winning musical. I’d list all the awards and accolades the production has received, but the list is long and you have to go purchase your tickets.

One last note of admiration for this (relatively) new musical: I appreciate that it doesn’t shy away from tough issues. Not only does it tackle the events of 9/11, of course, but it doesn’t ignore the uglier aspects of the aftermath, including racial profiling. It acknowledges such issues without trying to explain or resolve them, which has the effect of making you consider them. This show makes you consider a lot, and feel a lot, deeply.

In case you haven’t yet abandoned this review to go purchase your tickets or in case you need a few more reasons to do so, let me say this…I believe in stories. I believe stories have the power to connect us, restore us, and inspire us. I believe this so strongly that I think it’s crucial we tell our stories and, more so, that we listen to the stories of others. Come From Away tells stories that need to be heard. Not just for the people whose stories are being told, not just for those of us listening, but for each and every one of us all.

Come From Away runs through Sunday, May 12:

Wednesday-Thursday 7:30 p.m.

Friday 8 p.m.

Saturday 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sunday 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The show runs 1 hour 41 minutes with no intermission.

Ticket prices start at $31.

“STUDENT RUSH” is available for all performances. Students can get tickets for only $25 with their student IDs starting 2 hours prior to each performance.

Tickets can be purchased at MarcusCenter.org or Ticketmaster.com or by calling 414-273-7206 or visiting the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street, Milwaukee.

Saz’s Hospitality Group offers a Dinner and a Show package for the May 9 production. Tickets are $115 and available through Eventbright. More information can be found at Saz’s Dinner and a Show page.

EDITOR NOTE: This production is touring and will be in Chicago, at The Cadillac Palace Theatre in July. Plan ahead!