Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre Presents “Come From Away” Through October 18
Come From Away is an internationally celebrated musical that was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. It captured four Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, and five Outer Critics Circle Awards. The musical celebrates cultural civility to its highest degree. It is a tribute to the people of Gander during the aftermath of the 911 plane crashes. They were an atrocious act of terrorist aggression against 2,977 innocent victims. The Gander Newfoundlanders responded to this hostility in direct contradiction to this heinous act of war by terrorists. Thirty-eight commercial flights were diverted to the Gander International Airport because American airspace was closed. Our extraordinary neighbors to the North welcomed stranded strangers with heart-warming, soul-stirring, grand receptions.
Jeff Award winner Jessica Fisch masterfully directs this creative, embellished reality endeavor. Choreographer Katie Spellman, a winner of the SDCF Agnes de Mille commission, moves the actors onstage in enthralling ways. Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson, as always, provides superb musical direction. The Book, Music, and Lyrics by Irene Sarkoff and David Hein do the story justice and offer plenty of laugh-out-loud humor, conflict, and heart.
The small town of Gander, with a population of between 9,000 and 10,500, did not have enough hotel space for nearly 7,000 stranded passengers. Gander’s kindness and hospitable nature kicked in. They enlisted senior citizens, through school-age children, to volunteer and offer a welcome beyond measure to strangers in distress. “Come From Away” is an idiom used by Canadians from Newfoundland and Labrador, and by some people in Maine, to describe anyone not born locally. The neighborliness, gracious hospitality, and generosity of spirit that was shown to complete strangers by the residents of Gander should be a lesson to us all. As we celebrate our 250th Anniversary of the United States, let us remember that our founding father, George Washington, held “The Rules of Civility,” 110 social guidelines from the 1525 Jesuit rules, in high regard, emphasizing respect, decent behavior, and positive social conduct.
When I first read the novel The Day The World Came To Town by Jim DeFede, I was overwhelmed with emotion by the outpouring of goodwill from the kind citizens of Gander and the surrounding areas. The passengers were trapped on the planes for 24-28 hours before security released them from their ordeal. Exhausted, frustrated, frightened, and hungry, the passengers disembarked from the planes and were greeted by the townspeople who had prepared a feast for them. Local bus drivers called off their strike to ferry the stranded passengers to shelters in local schools and churches. The townspeople donated linens and toiletries. Access to computers, email, and television enabled communication with family, friends, and support. This musical keeps alive the goodness of people. I was so excited to finally see it. It is a heart-touching story, perfect for remembering that 25 years ago the world was changed by 911. My friend Barbara observantly commented that the actors on stage really seemed to be enjoying themselves. The audience was still applauding the performance as they made their way to the exit, even after the actors bowed out. This is not just marvelous entertainment, but a significant story everyone should be aware of.
All of the actors play multiple roles, showcasing their incredible versatility. Justin Albinder, who performed in Jersey Boys for almost six years, stars as Oz (Oswald Fudge), a gentleman local constable who cares deeply about the safety and welfare of the passengers. He has such physical charm in all his roles. Sarah Bockel is Bonnie, the fearless, compassionate head of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Inspired by the real-life Bonnie Harris, who rescued and cared for 12 dogs, 5 cats, and a pair of rare bonobo chimpanzees. Matt Crowle deftly portrays one of the musical’s main characters, Nick Marson. Jeff Award-winning and Chicago’s favorite actress Heidi Kettenring becomes Diane Marson, and her portrayal is terrific. She is a real-life passenger from Texas who finds love in Newfoundland with Nick Marson. Devin DeSantis is perfectly cast as real-life environmental entrepreneur and author Kevin Tuerff. His personal motto fits well with the musical. “Have courage and be kind.” He sings a powerful solo. Jonathan Shaboo is cast as Kevin Jung, Kevin Tuerff’s then-partner.
Denise Devlin as Beulah is a composite character based on Beulah Cooper and Diane Davis. They were the empathetic Gander organizers leading the emergency response with unparalleled compassion, understanding, and emotional support. Alex Goodrich plays Mayor Claude Elliott of Gander, a central figure during the 911 crisis. He does a bang-up job with the dialect. He also expertly explains the storyline to us. Sharriese Hamilton transforms into Hannah O’Rourke, a passenger whose son Kevin is an FDNY firefighter with Rescue Company 2 in Brooklyn. Madison Kauffman is very convincing as the rookie local television reporter Janice Mosher in Gander. September 11 was her first day on the job. Michael Earvin Martin has a great role as cynic Bob, who is extremely suspicious of the Gander goodness. Lexie Dorsett Sharp shines in the plum role of American Airlines’ first female Captain Beverly Bass. Her remarkable accomplishments and five-day grounding inspired the dynamic song “Me and the Sky.”
The artistic team features Associate Director Sunnie Eraso, a Northwestern Alum and a Chicago resident. Assistant Director Shea Frimmer fulfills her mission to create magic for the audience. Associate Choreographer Kim Hudman has been performing since age four. Her versatility, experience, and proficiency show in the staging of actors’ movements. Scenic Designer Scott Penner, in a minimalistic way, creates a believable staging for the story. Winner of the 2013 Lucille Lortel Award for Best Costume Design, Jessica Pabst, and Wig, Hair & Makeup Designer Miguel A. Armstrong create multiple real-life characters with simple changes like a hat, uniform, or wig for the actors playing multiple roles. Chicago Jeff Award-winning lighting designer Jesse Klug sets just the right moods with his technical expertise. I loved the blue airport runway lights on stage.
2025 Equity Jeff Award winner for sound design, Michael Daly, also deserves kudos for his craftsmanship. Props Designer Jamie Auer, a DePaul graduate, adds artistic touches that support the atmosphere and story. Conductor Celia Villacres leads a superb orchestral team. Props Designer Jamie Auer, a DePaul graduate, adds artistic touches that support the atmosphere and story. Dialect Coach Sammi Grant does a marvelous job of transforming the actors’ speech into Gander Island speech. Conductor Celia Villacres leads a superb orchestral team. Stage Manager Casie Morell and Assistant Stage Manager Richard Strimer have a Herculean task resetting scenes, but they accomplish it with aplomb.
