(OUTview NW) Theater RE-view: SRT's "Come From Away" is Phenomenal and could be Broadway's Latest Sensation in the Coming Year!

Colella was a Stand-out!       (Bennion)

by MK Scott

It was bound to happen, a "9/11 Musical", but not about the attacks itself, but the inspirational stories that came from it and nothing was as remarkable as the story about the events in Gander, Newfoundland. This story as well as an incredible soundtrack is the basis for "Come From Away", currently at the Seattle Rep.

Making its NW/World Premiere, 'Away' made its official World Premiere this past summer at the La Jolla Playhouse near San Diego, directed by famed Broadway Director, Christopher Ashley (Memphis) and many from the La Jolla cast reprise their roles in the Seattle production. "Come From Away" has Broadway Bound written all over it.


The 100 min One Act, 'Away" is the true story of a small Newfoundland community playing host to 38 commercial aircraft after the World Trade Center attacks, Canadians Irene Sankoff and David Hein have forged a moving, thoroughly entertaining tribute to international amity and the indomitable human spirit. Commercial prospects are bright for this surefire source of laughter and tears.

Once a thriving refueling station for WWII Allied planes, obsolete Gander International Airport gained new life as a crucial emergency stop during the U.S. airspace shutdown in the wake of 9/11. Sleepy, parochial Gander found itself playing Motel 6 to thousands of exhausted, uncomprehending, terrified world travelers (Hey, no big deal for the town of Gander, whose spirit never diminshed during the days to come).

Colin dresses down and becomes "LumberGay"!  (Bennion)

Even a Gay couple, Colin (Chad Kimball) and his "Sex-itary", Boyfriend, also named, Colin (Caesar Samayoa) get as much time as the star crossed straight love story of Nick (Lee MacDougall) and Diane (Sharon Wheatley).

The show is totally an ensemble piece and most are playing duel roles as townfolk and passenger/visitor, there are a few actors that do stand out including Joel Hatch (the Town Mayor), Samayoa (Colin 2 and Egyptian), Jenn Colella (Beverly), Q Smith (Lana, a Mother of NY firefighter), Rodney Hicks (Bob) and the totally unrecognizable, Seattle Star, Eric Ankrim (OZ/Rabbi).

The set by Tony-winner, Beowulf Boritt had tall trees in the background and the use of the circle revolve made sure that every actor was shown at the top of their emotional game.

Dancing, "Gander Style"!     (Nickerson)

One of the real delights of this show is the music, rife with Celtic sounds, but including Afro-Peruvian, Persian and West African instruments and sounds. Most of the songs are upbeat toe-tappers; the music is pretty much nonstop, and the fine eight-member band is led by keyboardist Ian Eisendrath. After the Standing Ovation/Curtain call, the audience stayed as the band was playing front and center and then clapped until the very end. 

Those who lived through 9/11 will know what Sankoff and Hein mean in their finale “Something’s Missing”: As awful as it was, for a while there strangers behaved like family, and hands ordinarily clenched into fists opened wide. Just as suddenly, it all vanished. “Come From Away” is affecting enough in celebrating that moment, but even more so in advancing the possibility of humanity’s finding its way to such harmony again. And next time, perhaps, unprompted by disaster.

I am just assuming this would open on Broadway in 2016, in honor of the 15th anniversary, or just wishful thinking on my part, but if New York embraces this show as well as Seattle and San Diego have, watch for it to win some Tonys in 2017.

"Come From Away" performs at the Seattle Rep through December 13th. Click HERE for Tix!