EMA Review: Come From Away ***** Delicious

Come Away - Together

By Paul Atreides

Author, Playwright, and Theatre Critic at EatMoreArtVegas.compaul-atreides.com  

Las Vegas Little Theatre opened Come From Away, by David Hein and Irene Sankoff, for their summer musical. Having garnered seven Tony Award nominations, including Best New Musical, and winning the Olivier Award in that same category, it’s getting productions all over the place this year. With the timing of the 25^th anniversary of the 9-11 attack, it makes perfect sense.

But don’t think this is some maudlin musical. It’s upbeat and filled with hope; an uplifting tale of the 7,000 passengers on 38 jetliners diverted to Gander, Newfoundland as all air traffic was shut down over the United States. To quote a line from the play, “…we honor what was lost, but we also commemorate what we found.”

Because what they found was a bond between the peoples of the many different countries and cultures who were suddenly thrown together for five days.

Directed by Walter Niejadlik and Gillen Brey, under the musical direction of Toby McEvoy, with a true ensemble cast playing a multitude of roles, this production shines. No single performance stood out, which is exactly what is needed for this play. So, kudos to all the actors who managed to portray so many different characters and make each one distinct.

If there is any quibble, it would be the minor loss of some solo lines (of which there are many) within songs, which were not able to overcome the music and chorus.

Including a 7-piece live band, production values are top notch. Ron Lindblom’s set – aided by an LED display – places us firmly into each location. Ginny Adams’ lighting sets and enhances the mood as the play moves through the timeline.

Perusing the website to list ticket prices, I can verify that performances are already selling out.

In this 9/11 anniversary year, go see this production and honor the memory of the 2,977 victims. You may shed a tear, but you’ll also laugh. And you’ll feel good, too. You’ll feel good aboot, and find a new appreciation for, our Canadian neighbors, eh?

In these divided times, pretend you’re Canadian and take some of that goodness and spread it out into the world when you leave.

What: Come From Away

When: 7 p.m. Friday - Saturday

            2 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays through July 26

Where: Las Vegas Little Theatre - Mainstage, 3920 Schiff Drive

Tickets: $20* - $37 (702-362-7996; www.lvlt.org)

*Students under 18 – Must call during Box Office hours

Grade:  ***** Delicious

Producer: Las Vegas Little Theatre; Director: Walter Niejadlik, Gillen Brey; Music Director: Toby McEvoy; Choreographer: Hallie Lyons, Walter Nijadlik, April Sauline; Set Design: Ron Lindblom; Lighting Design: Ginny Adams; Sound Design: Mike Olsen; Costume Design: Julie Horton; Stage Manager: Julie Horton, Cindy Lee Stock