Review: “Come From Away” at Ahmanson in Los Angeles

Opening night of Come From Away played to a packed house and a much deserved standing ovation as the production is quite a feat! An ensemble consisting of 12 actors playing multiple characters directed swiftly by Christopher Ashley. “Come from aways” is a Newfoundland term for a visitor from beyond the island — which makes sense for the title. Come From Away tells the story of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland during the days following the attacks of September 11, 2011 when all American airspace was shut down and all planes in the air were forced to land at the closest airport. Book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein who were inspired to write the piece after visiting Gander for the 10th anniversary of 9/11. They feel in love with the stories and the people — a diverse group of passengers and the welcoming town. Sankoff and Hein listened to the 7000 stories of the stranded passengers and the 9000 stories of the people who were there. Sankoff and Hein chose to execute the production as a musical because of the musical roots of Newfoundland. An Atlantic Canadian province with a folk musical heritage based on the Irish, English and Cornish traditions that were brought to its shores centuries ago. They accomplished the impossible — telling 16,000 stories in a 100-minute musical. A “kitchen” party on stage and in the audience is a most informative and enjoyable evening out.

BROADWAY’S TONY AWARD-WINNING “MUST-SEE MUSICAL” (NPR)

on November 28, 2018 through January 6, 2019.

A “Best Musical” winner all across North America, the smash hit musical has won the Tony Award for “Best Direction of a Musical” (Christopher Ashley), five Outer Critics Circle Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding New Broadway Musical,” three Drama Desk Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding Musical,” four Helen Hayes Awards (D.C.) including “Outstanding Production of a Musical,” four Gypsy Rose Lee Awards (Seattle) including “Excellence in Production of a Musical,” six San Diego Critics Circle Awards including “Outstanding New Musical,” three Toronto Theatre Critics Awards including “Best New Musical,” three Dora Awards (Toronto) including “Outstanding New Musical/Opera” and “Outstanding Production,” and the 2017 Jon Kaplan Audience Choice Award (Toronto).

CAST FEATURES KEVIN CAROLAN, HARTER CLINGMAN, NICK DUCKART, CHAMBLEE FERGUSON, BECKY GULSVIG, JULIE JOHNSON, CHRISTINE TOY JOHNSON, JAMES EARL JONES II, MEGAN MCGINNIS, ANDREW SAMONSKY, DANIELLE K. THOMAS, EMILY WALTON MARIKA AUBREY, JANE BUNTING, MICHAEL BRIAN DUNN, JULIE GARNYÉ, ADAM HALPIN, AARON MICHAEL RAY BOOK, MUSIC & LYRICS BY IRENE SANKOFF & DAVID HEIN DIRECTED BY CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY MUSICAL STAGING BY KELLY DEVINE MUSIC SUPERVISION & ARRANGEMENTS BY IAN EISENDRATH

DATES/TIMES:

Opens Wednesday, November 28 at 8 p.m. Through January 6, 2019. No Previews
Regular Performances (November 29 – January 6): Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. No Monday performances.
Exceptions: Added 2 p.m. performances on Thursday, November 29 and Thursday, December 27. Added 7 p.m. performance on Monday, December 31. No public performance on Wednesday, December 5. No 8 p.m. performances on Tuesday, December 25 and Tuesday, January 1.

Tickets for “Come From Away” are available by calling (213) 972-4400, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org, or by visiting the Center Theatre Group Box Office located at the Ahmanson Theatre. Tickets range from $30 – $135 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Ahmanson Theatre is located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, 90012. Please visit: http://www.ComeFromAway.com

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