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Hannah: “Beulah walks me to church — and when we get there, I light a candle for my son.”
Beulah: “And I do too.”
Hannah is a plane passenger, and Beulah is a town citizen. We know Beulah (Julie Johnson) is not religious – she let Hannah (Danielle K. Thomas) know earlier that she was unfamiliar with the neighboring churches. However, when the lights dim and Prayer begins, the two step forward and share the above exchange. As they light their candles, Kevin T (Jeremy Woodard) steps forward center stage. While he is no longer very observant, he too finds comfort in singing a song reminiscent of childhood church visits. Slowly more ensemble members step forward with their prayers. Some together, some alone. A rabbi comes forward, inviting a town member who had long since forgotten his Jewish roots to find the courage to join him. All begin to observe in the way that feels right to them.
The events of 9/11 just took place. This plane had to go down in Newfoundland, Canada with no context. Everyone on the stage is dealing with their own sense of loss and grief. Many of the passengers still do not know if family members in New York are still alive. Many of the townspeople still do not know if they will be able to support the passengers through this time. However, for this brief moment, differences are put aside, and we witness togetherness and hope. Lights are dim, candlelight fills the space, and the sounds of various prayers fill the theater. If you’re anything like this writer, you might just feel yourself start to cry.
Broadway in Chicago presents Come from Away
Based on the book and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Come from Away tells the true story of 7,000 stranded passengers who had to touch down in Newfoundland, Canada on 9/11. The town welcomes them and tries to do their best to support. However, much as might be expected, cultures clash and tensions rise. Over the course of the story, we see trust form, and people of various backgrounds come together through the grief and heartache. The Tony Award winning musical features an emotional roller coaster of a score including Welcome to the Rock, 38 Planes, I Am Here, On the Edge, and Stop the World.
Directed by Christopher Ashley, this is an ensemble piece, with actors playing multiple parts throughout the story. The set is fairly sparse, allowing a series of chairs and tables to represent larger pieces including the plane, hotel rooms, a church, and so much more. The tight-knit ensemble is on point, in this reviewer’s opinion, not only featuring stellar vocalists, but performers who easily switch in and out of roles before the audience’s eyes.
Perfect Blend of Heart-Wrenching Emotion and Comedy
There is tension-relieving laughter too…
Ali (Nick Duckart) was an Egyptian passenger on the plane, and as such, confronts quite a bit of prejudice and racism as his fellow passengers deal with the aftermath of 9/11. We see him struggle through interrogations at the airport, and even members of the town watch him warily as he crosses the street. As the audience watches Duckart’s emotional portrayal of Ali battling his own grief in complete isolation, you might just feel your heart reach out to him.
At a key moment, Ali approaches Beulah and asks if he could help her cook for all of the passengers that she is helping host. She turns him down – as so many others have as they try to keep their distance. Just when you think this will turn into yet another heartbreaking moment for Ali, he admits that he is a successful head chef who travels the world. The food in this town is simply awful, and he insists they take his help. Without missing a beat, Beulah orders him to the kitchen, and the Opening Night audience erupted in much-needed sighs of relief and laughter.
Stellar vocals and a strikingly relevant script alone make Come From Away a night to remember. Given the ongoing global pandemic, you might just find that this show is the next must-see of 2022.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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WHEN:
Running through October 2, 2022
Tuesdays at 7:30pm
Wednesdays at 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Thursdays at 7:30pm
Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Sundays at 2:00pm
WHERE:
Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W. Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601
TICKETS:
$36.50+
For tickets and information, please see the Broadway in Chicago website.
Photos courtesy of Broadway in Chicago
About the Author: Lauren Katz
Lauren Katz is a freelance director and dramaturge, and new to the Chicago Theatre Scene. She recently moved from Washington DC, where she worked with Mosaic Theater Company of DC in Company Management, as well as directed around town with various theaters.
Click here to read more Picture this Post stories by Lauren Katz.
