“Come From Away” Better In-The-Round

***** I must admit, I was quite anxious about Marriott Theatre’s production of “Come From Away, celebrating the amazing story of events that took place 25 years ago this month ( hard to believe!). I have seen several productions of this powerful story with a book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, but never “in-the-round”. My thoughts were that if anyone could make it happen, and make it happen right, it would be the Marriott staff, and I must say the teamwork of director Jessica Fisch and choreographer Katie Spelman brought a special intimacy to this 100 minutes of musical theater ( no intermission) and brought this “ensemble” piece a look that should garner some accolades from audience members of all ages.

For those who don’t recall the event that made “Come From Away” a story, think back 25 years ago to September 11th, when the Towers went down and all planes were advised to avoid landing anywhere but where send, which was Newfoundland, Canada and in particular, Gander. This is that story and the ensemble of  12 amazing performers take on all the roles that include the people of this tiny community that attended to every need of over 7,000 people.

Each of the actors in this production brings several characters to life and does so with the perfect touch. Try to see them, not with your eyes, but with your hear and understand that each actor will bring a little something to each of the people, passenger or pilot, Gander resident or other. Led by Alex Goodrich, who plays the mayor and a host of others, we see love stories, fear, worried parents ( one who has a fireman in New York who is missing), strangers (Heidi Kettenring and Matt Crowle) who find a new life, and many other stories. A tip of the hat to: Jonathan Shaboo, Lexie Dorsett Sharp, Michael Earvin Martin, Denise Devlin, Sharriese Hamilton, Madison Kauffman, Devin DeSantis, Sarah Bockel and Justin Albinder. A dozen highly talented performers bring a multitude of characters to life in this sterling production that is both entertaining and educational.

While there are no songs that you will hum as you exit the theater, I must say the impact felt by those around me was stronger than I have ever seen before with the opening “Welcome To The Rock”, and”38 Planes” having great meaning. The technical aspects of this production that make it work are, of course, the turntable stage, which gives audience members on all four sides a full view of the unfolding story. Scott Penner’s design with the cool luggage carriers and suitcase airline seats allowed very little set change time, allowing the flow to stay on course. Jesse Klug’s lighting and Michael Daly’s sound were perfect, and I loved the costumes by Jessica Pabst, which let the performers swap characters within seconds.

The orchestra led by Celia Villacres ( keyboard and accordian) was brilliant: Carmen Ableson (violin), Sean McNeely (flute /whistles), Jose Guzman (Guitar), Dave Saenger (Mandolin/guitar), Trevor Jnes (Bass), Andy Wilmoth (percussion), Tom Hipskind (drum/percussion), Kaily Rockwell ( associate conductor/accordian/keyboard).  Bravo!

I know that many of you will say you have seen this before, BUT I am here to tell you that you have NOT. This production will blow you away and make you feel that you are one of the locals reaching out to aid in the time of need. Put this on your MUST SEE list and bring a few tissues. You will use them, for sure!

“Come From Away” will continue thru October 18th with performances as follows

Wednesdays    1 p.m. and   7 p.m.

Thursdays       7 p.m.

Fridays             7:30 p.m.

Saturdays        4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sundays          1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 847-634-0200 or www.tickets.marriott.com

Marriott Theatre is located in Lincolnshire at 10 Marriott Drive. Plenty of free parking. To dine at the resort, call 847-634-0100

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click on “Come From Away”.