by Christine Sarkes

Photo Credit: Dan Norman.

Come From Away at the Guthrie Theater is a rollicking, rousing, joyful and poignant snapshot in time when nations and people were united in grief and solidarity in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Created by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, from thousands of real-life interviews, it explores the extraordinary true story of Gander, Newfoundland, which doubled its population overnight. Widely regarded as among the most emotionally impactful modern musicals, it was nominated for seven awards at the 2017 Tony Awards and won for Best Musical Direction. The cast and artistic team deftly balance the intensity of the moment with funny, uplifting numbers that celebrate the can-do, small-town corniness of Gander residents and their unyielding hospitality. The musical’s reminder of the power of communal solidarity, resilience and empathy will resonate deeply with Twin Cities audiences. You will leave the theater delighted and inspired.

The musical begins on September 11, 2001, shortly after the government shuts down U.S. airspace in response to terrorist attacks forcing all inbound planes to find alternate destinations. In total, 38 planes are diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, and the hospitable residents of the small Canadian town greet all 7,000 passengers with food, clothing and open hearts. By the time the “plane people” depart, defenses are down, romance blooms and lifelong friendships are formed. Audiences will recognize many Guthrie regulars in the cast and welcome several making their Guthrie debuts. This is truly an ensemble effort, and it is difficult to single out one performance out the many excellent ones. They effortlessly switch between portraying local residents and stranded passengers using minimal props, like scarves, hats and chairs. The score blends upbeat Gaelic, sea shanty textures with traditional instruments like the fiddle and accordion. The musicians participate onstage in the foot-stomping finale, giving the show its exuberant heartbeat of a send off.

Come From Away, book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, directed by Kent Gash, playing now through August 9 at the Guthrie Theater, 818 South 2nd Street, Minneapolis. Cast includes Evan Balasubramaniam as Kevin J. and Others, Kate Beahen as Janice and Others, Katie Bradley as Hannah and Others, Jennifer Grimm as Beulah and Others, Matthew Hall as Bob and Others, Jon Andrew Hegge as Oz and Others, Justin Keyes as Kevin T. and Others, Jim Lichtscheidl as Nick and Others, Ann Michels as Diane and Others, Eric Morris as Claude and Others, Soara-Joye Ross as Beverley and Others, and Angela Timberman as Bonnie and Others. The creative team includes Kent Gash (Director), Byron Easley (Choreographer), J. Oconer Navarro (Music Director), Edward E. Haynes Jr. (Scenic Designer), Kara Harmon (Costume Designer), Rui Rita (Lighting Designer), Hidenori Nakajo (Sound Designer), Denise Prosek (Associate Music Director), Faye M. Price (Dramaturg), Keely Wolter (Resident Vocal Coach), Jennifer Liestman, C.S.A. (Resident Casting Director), Karl Alphonso (Stage Manager), Jason Clusman (Assistant Stage Manager), Lyndsey R. Harter (Assistant Stage Manager), Hannah C. Steblay (Assistant Director) and McCorkle Casting, Ltd. (NYC Casting Consultant). Single tickets range from $44 to $104 (handling fees included). Purchase single and group tickets (minimum requirement of 15 per group) through the Box Office at 612.377.2224 (single), 1.877.447.8243 (toll-free), 612.225.6244 (group) or online at guthrietheater.org