Hunting Bank’s Featured Performance ‘Come From Away’ hits all of the emotions

Certain dates resonate strongly in the American psyche and for current residents of our land nothing is stronger than the remembrance of what occurred on September 11, 2001. Those who were witness to this unfolding event remember with crystal clarity where they were when the planes hit the twin towers in New York City. From this unprecedented tragedy that cost over 3,296 people their lives there came tales of heroism and unselfish assistance. With the American airspace completely shut down all flights on their way to their United States destinations were suddenly diverted all around the world.

Suddenly the small town of Gander, Newfoundland (a large island off the coast of Canada) with a population of around 7,000, found their population doubled overnight as 38 planes were rerouted to their airport. Being a friendly and welcoming people, the Newfounlanders set to work in housing, feeding and seeing to the needs of these stranded passengers asking nothing in return saying “You’d do the same for us.”

In 2015 Irene Sankoff and David Hein (book, music and lyrics) had their musical “Come From Away” open at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California with a record breaking run. It also opened that year at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. The following year, 2016 it had openings at the Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. and the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto. It made its Broadway debut at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on March 12, 2017 where it was again a critical and box office success. The Broadway production closed on October 2, 2022 after 25 previews and 1,669 regular performances.

The basis for its popularity is simple. An ensemble of a dozen or so performers are gathered to play multiple roles of town people and stranded guests. Stories interweave throughout the show highlighting the tragedy, friendships, comedy, music, food and tears that were shared during that fateful week. In effect you get a birds eye view of what good people do when ask.

As for the Huntington Bank Featured Performance now on stage at the Connor Palace Theatre at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio it is top notch. Just as in the original circumstances where there were no real heroes, just common people banding together for a worthy cause this show carries no real stars, just a superb group of actors who are all triple treats of dancers, singers and actors.

From the opening words of “Welcome To The Rock”, the lively “Screech In” to the poignant “Something’s Missing” and the rousing “Finale” it is a solid one hour and forty minutes (no intermission) of solid entertainment. These are real people that you can easily relate to through their songs. In effect, you truly feel emotions.

Out of an unspeakable tragedy was born a musical that focuses on the basic good that is found with most people. This is a show that will leave you with a feeling of hope. While it is here for just a short while I would get your tickets now as it is sure to be a sellout.

The Huntington Bank Featured Performance of “Come From Away” will be on stage in the Connor Palace Theatre at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio through August 18, 2024. For more information and tickets go to www.playhousesquare.org or call (216) 241-6000.