“Sublime performances focused on the pride of what Canadians did for foreigners during September 11. This Come from Away is a shining example of the incredible talent of performers in our little province.”
Residents of Saint John are invited to be “come from aways” from September 9th to September 14th. The global sensation *Come From Away*, created by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, is coming to the stage at the Imperial Theatre in Saint John after a successful run in St. Andrews by the Sea. What makes this production unique is that all tickets for the entire run have already sold out, with tickets being quickly purchased soon after they went on sale.
This production is truly unique, and everyone involved in the show should take pride in it: every participant is from New Brunswick. Tony LePage reprises his role as Kevin T and also serves as the director, alongside his wife, Courtney LePage. This husband-and-wife team has assembled a remarkable cast and creative team to bring this sensational production to the stage.
“Come From Away” tells the story of Gander, Newfoundland, in the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The musical focuses on how the local community came together to support strangers in need as the world grappled with the attacks on American soil that day. It highlights personal stories, such as that of Beulah, a Gander resident who organized food and shelter for the “plane people” redirected to her town, played by Erika Buiteman. The show also features Beverly, the first female pilot bringing passengers from France to her home in Texas, performed by Megan Fowlie, along with two characters named Kevin, played by Tony LePage and James Smith.
This production features a simple set with a few partitions along the back and sides of the stage, constructed from large slatted planks. They are festooned with photos and a few addiction props used throughout the production. In front of many of the partitions sit all the members of the band. In this show, the band is perhaps as much a part of the show as the actors. This band is made up of some spectacular performers: Mike Doherty, Evan Phinney, Garrym Hansen, Troy McLaggan, Dave Bartlett, Bob Burgess, Masa Kikuch, and Brad Trecartin. This stage also features several chairs of different designs and three tables, used to create unique locations throughout Gander and the various planes that landed at the now underused airport.
The cast of this production should be proud of their achievements. Having seen the show twice before, I couldn’t help but compare this performance to the previous ones. This production not only exceeded my expectations but was also the best of the three I’ve had the privilege to see. I wish I could mention each cast member, but time doesn’t permit it; each one of them was outstanding.
Erika Buiteman as Beulah gave us a complete range of emotions, from being a force to be reckoned with in organizing everything to sharing one of the most touching moments in the production through her support and care for Hannah (Tracy Ross). Megan Fowlie as Beverly was sublime; her performance of “Me and the Sky” was sensational, one I could listen to over and over again. Tony LePage and James Smith, as Kevin T and Kevin J respectively, had an incredible chemistry, making their estrangement more heartbreaking. Finally, the budding relationship between Diane (Katelyn Goodwin) and Nick (Richard Duijnstee) was lovely to see grow throughout the production.
Rogue Productions and the Saint John Theatre Company should be thrilled with this show. I can only hope it will make a return for more people to enjoy. This production, unfortunately, will not be accessible to many more people due to its short run and already sold-out status. This show is a triumph from start to finish and a shining example of the incredible talent found in this little province.
Running time: approximately 107 minutes with no intermission.
Come From Away runs to September 14 at the Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square S, Saint John, NB. This performance is sold out for the entire run in Saint John.
Saint John Theatre Company and Rogue Productions, along with Kingsbrae International Residence for the Arts, present
Come From Away Book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff & David Hein.
DIRECTED by Courtney and Tony LePage
MUSIC DIRECTION by Michael Doherty
CHOREOGRAPHER: Sydney Hallett
SET DESIGNER: John LeRoux
COSTUME DESIGNER: Brenda McLeese
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Alison Crosby
The Band: Mike Doherty, Evan Phinney, Garry Hansen, Troy McLaggan, Dave Bartlett, Bob Burgess, Masa Kikuchi, and Brad Trecartin.
Performers: Prapti Bamaniy, Erika Buiteman, Caroline Coon, Richard Duijnstee, Meagan Fowlie, Katelyn Goodwin, Lucas Gutiérrez-Robert, Tony LePage, Jeff McAlloon, Greg Robinson, Tracy Ross, James Smith, Olivia Spahn-Vieira, Bertis Sutton, and Nathanael Telman
