EMA Review: Come From Away Irresistible ★★★★★1/2

By Erik Engman

Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic, EatMoreArtVegas.com

IG: ErikReviewsVegas

25 years.

It has been 25 years since 9/11 and that terrible day when terrorists commandeered four planes and changed our lives forever through violence and hatred. Can you believe it? I can’t. I was working in Burbank on the Disney Studios lot, in the ABC building, that day. I watched it all unfold on a wall of television sets, each tuned to a different channel. I’m still affected to this day. Now, to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of this tragic event, Everybody Sings Productions and Super Summer Theatre bring us Come From Away, book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. But if you think this is a solemn and dour musical, you would be wrong. It’s a celebration of the best of humanity in the face of the worst humanity has to offer.

Director Nakaze Harris excels as she takes us to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, where 38 planes - almost 7000 people - were abruptly grounded that fateful day. It’s through Harris’s skill and heart that we cry and cheer as we encounter a town that not only helps these lost travelers, but takes them in as family for no reward. It’s a story worth telling, and repeating again and again. And Harris, alongside Music Director Dolly Coulter and Choreographer Teresa Isgriggs, bring to life what is, frankly, one of the best examples of love for your fellow human being I’ve ever seen.

I find it impossible to single out individuals in the fantastic cast of this show. Every single actor brought heartbreak, heroism, tears, and love to the stage. Over the course of 1 and 1/2 hours, we follow multiple storylines: the woman pilot, the British and Texan couple who just might fall in love, the gay couple whose relationship might not survive this ordeal, the ASPCA woman who is concerned for the animals aboard the planes, the woman whose firefighter son is missing. And that doesn’t even mention the townsfolk, all of whom approach this situation from different angles and different life experiences.

As for the production side, the lighting (designed by Ryan Partridge), sound (designed by Katherine Gonzalez), and set (designed by Roxy Mojica)  all came together to create the various settings in this little town, seamlessly changing so that I didn’t notice them half the time; they were just right for the scene. Fantastic design all around.  

Now, if you think you’re experiencing deja vu, you’re not wrong. Las Vegas Little Theatre did an amazing production of this in July, reviewed by my cohort, Paul Atreides. This musical has become one of my top five of all time. I couldn’t help fighting back tears all the way through it last night, partly because of the tragedy of it all, but also partly because of the love and generosity of this small town. And the most amazing thing is this was a true story, based on real people. With the world as divided as it is, this is the story we need today. That we all have a responsibility for each other, no matter your belief, gender, politics, or race. This show is probably already sold out, or at least very close. But if you can scrounge up a ticket, it’s well worth the effort. Congratulations to the cast and crew for an amazing production. An amazing close to SST’s 51st season.

What: Come From Away  

When: Wednesday through Saturday, September 9-16 & 16-19

Where: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, 6375 NV-159, Blue Diamond, NV 89004

Tickets (including fees)/website: GA $28, VIP Blanket for two $182, VIP Blanket for four $360. Plus $10 entry fee to the State Park.

RATING: Irresistible ★★★★★1/2

Director/Producer: Nakaze Harris; Producer: Misty-Singh-West: Music Director: Dolly Coulter; Choreographer: Teresa Isgriggs; Set Design: Roxy Mojica; Sound Design: Katherine Gonzalez; Lighting Designer: Ryan Partridge; Production Stage Manager: Stacey Haggin.